IfBSW TEMPERANCE P1.AYS.— 15 Cents Each. 

M F 1 M F I 

im, 11 5 BalM«, - . - - 11 ? | Temperance Doctor, 



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pp 5795 s^"" ^° * I *"'" Dinah's I'lertge. - 6 3 [ Drunkard's Wnrning, (c) 6 J 

.W3 K5 ■ 

1870 I 

Copy 1 



x\o. XXVI. 



OH'S STANDARg DRAMA. 




fHE KING or THE COMMONS. 



^ JJlas, 



IN FIVE ACTS. 



BY REV. JAMES WHITE. 



WITH THEh STAGE BUSINESS, CAST OF CHARAC- 
TERS, CdeTUMBS. RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC. 



NEW YORK : 

feAMUEL FKENCn. 

122 Nassau Strkkt, {Up..STi.iB«.# 



BOOKS EVERTT AMATEXTB SHOULD HAVa 

i3U.TEUB'S GUIDE ; or. How to Get up Home The.tricsU »nd to Act In The.^Ith Bulej, By- 
L»w», Selected Scenes, Plays and other useful information for Amntear Societies. Pnce 20 CM. 

eUIDE TO THE STAGE. 15 cents. ART OP ACTING. 16 centa. , 

Anything <m fhU cover tent by mail on receipt of price. \ 



FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAM 



Price 15 Cents each.— Bound "Volumes $1. 25. 



VOL. I. 

1 Ion 

■i Kailo 

3 The Lady of Lyom 



5 The Wife 

6 Tbe Honeymoon 

i Tbe School for Soaudsl 

8 Money 

VOL. II. 

9 The Stranger 

10 Grandfather Whitehead 

11 Richard III 

12 Love's Sacrifice 

13 The Gamester 

14 A Cure for the Heartache 

15 The Hunchback 

16 Don Geesar de Bazan 

VOL. III. 

1 7 The Poor Gentleman 

18 Hamlet 

19 Charles II 

m Venice Preierred 
11 Pizarro 

22 The Love Chaie 

23 Othello 

■2i Lend me Five Shillings 
VOL. IV. 

25 Virginius 

26 EiDg of the Commoni 

27 London Assurance 

28 The Rent Day 

29 Two Gentlemen ofVeron 

30 The Jealous Wife 

31 The EivaU 

32 Perfection 

VOL. V. [Debts 

33 A New Way to Pay Old 

34 Look Before You Leap 

35 King John 

36 Nervous Man 

37 Damon and Pythias 
33 Clandestine Marriage 

39 William Tell 

40 Day after the Wedding 

VOL. VI. 

41 Speed the Plough 

42 Romeo and Juliet 

43 Feudal Times 

44 Charles the Twelfth 

45 The Bridal 

46 The Follies of a Night 

47 Iron Chest [Fair Lady 

48 Faint Heart Never Won 

VOL. VII. 

49 Road to Rulu 

50 Maobeth 

51 Temper 

52 Evadne 

53 Bertram 
64 The Duenna 

55 Much Ado About Nothing 

56 The Crltio 

VOL. viir. 

57 The Apostate 

58 Twelfth Night 

59 Brutus 

60 Simpson & Co 

61 Merchant of Venice 

62 Old Heads&Toung Hearts 
83 Moantaineera [riage 

64 Three Weeks after Mar 

VOiL. IX. 

65 Love 

66 As Ton Like It 

67 The Elder Brother 

68 Werner 

69 Gisippus 

70 Town and Country 

71 King Lear 

72 Blu« DeviU 

VOL. X. 
nn 

74 Ma 

75 Henry IV 

76 Paul Pry 

77 Guy Mannerlng 



VOL. XI. 

81 Julius Csesar 

82 Vicar of Wakefield 

83 Leap Year 

84 The C&tspaw 

85 The Passing Clond 

86 Drunkard 

87 Rob Roy 
38 George Barnwell 

VOL. XII. 

89 Ingomar 

90 Sketches in India 

91 Two Friends 

92 Jane Shore 

93 Corsican Brothers 

94 Mind your 

95 Writing on the Wall 

96 Heir at Law 

VOL. XIII. 

97 Soldier's Daughter 

98 Douglas 

99 Marco Spada 

100 Nature's Nobleman 

101 Sardanapalug 

102 Civilization 

103 The Robbers 

104 Katharine and Petruchlo 

VOL. XIV. 

105 Game of Love 

106 Midsummer Night' 

107 Ernestine [Dream 

108 Rag Picker of Paris 

109 Flying Dutchman 

110 Hypocrite 

111 Therese 

112 La Tour de Nesla 

VOL. XV. 

113 Ireland As It Is 

114 Sea of Ice 

115 Seven Clerks 

116 Game of Life 

117 Forty Thieves 

118 Bryan Boroilime 

119 Romance and Reality 

120 Ugolino 

VOL. XVI. 

121 The Tempest 

122 The Pilot 

123 Carpenter of Rouen 

124 Kings Rival 

125 Little Treasure 

126 Dombey and Son 

127 Parents and Guardians 

128 Jewess 

VOL. XVII 

129 Camille 

130 Married Life 

131 Wenlock of Wenlock 

132 Rose of Eltriokvale 

133 David Copperfield 

134 Aline, or the Rose of 

135 Pauline [Killamey 

136 Jane Eyre 
VOL. XVIIL 

137 Night and Morning 

138 .^thiop 

139 Three Guardsmen 

140 Tom Cringle 

141 Henriette, the Forsakei 

142 Eustache Baudin 

143 Ernest Maltravera 

144 Bold Dragoons 
VOL. XIX. 

145Dred, or the Dismal 



146 Last Days of Pompeii 

147 Esmeralda 

148 Peter Wilkins 

149 Ben the Boatswain 

150 Jonathan Bradford 

151 Retribution 

152 UineraU 
VOL. XX. 

153 French Spy 

154 Wept of Wishtoi Wish 

155 Evil Genius 
~ Bolt 

157 Sailor of France 

158 Red Mask 

159 Life of an Aofresj 

160 Wedding Day 



161 All's Fair in Love 

162 Hofer 

163 Self 

164 Cinderella 

165 Phantom 

166 Franklin [Mosco? 

167 The Gunmaker of 

168 The Love of a Prince 

VOL. XXII. 

169 Son of the Night 

170 RoryO' More 

171 Golden Eagle 

172 Rienii 

173 Broken Sword 

174 Rip Van Winkle 

175 Isabelle 

176 Heart of Mid Lothian 

VOL. XXIII. 

177 Actress of Padua 

178 Floating Beacon 

179 Bride of Lamermoor 

180 Cataract of the Ganges 

181 Bobber of the Rhine 

182 School of Reform 

183 Wanderint Boys 

184 Mazeppa 

VOL. XXIV. 

185 Young New York 

186 The Victims 

187 Romance after Marriage 
183 Brigand 
189Poorof New York 

190 Ambrose Gwinett 

191 Raymond and Agnes 

192 Gambler's Fate 

VOL. XXV. 

193 Father and Son 

194 MassanieUo 

195 Sixteen String Jack 

196 Youthful Queen 

197 Skeleton Witness 

198 Innkeeper of Abbeville 

199 Miller and his Men 

200 Aladdin 

VOL. XXVI. 

201 Adrienne the Actress 

202 Undine 

203 Jessie Brown 

204 Asmodeus 

205 Iformons 

206 Blanche of Brandywine 
•207 Viola 

208 Deseret Deserted 

VOL. XXVII. 

209 Americans in Paris 

210 Victorine 

211 Wizard of the Wave 

212 Castle Spectre 

213 Horse-shoe Robinson 

214 Armand, Mrs Mowatt 

215 Fashion, Mrs Mowait 

216 Glance at New York 
VOL. XXVIII. 

217 Inconstant 

218 Uncle Tom's Cabin 

219 Guide to the Stage 

220 Veteran 

221 Miller of New Jersey 

222 Dark Hour before Dawn 

223 Midsum'rNight's Dream 
(Laura Keene's Edition 
Art and Artifice 

VOL. XXIX 



[Swamp 225 Poor Tonng Ms 



226 Ossawattomie Brown 

227 Pope of Rome 
"28 Oliver Twist 

29 Pauvrette 

230 Man in the Iron Mask 

231 Knigat of Arva 
•iil'i 'loll Pitcher 

VOL. XXX. 

233 Black Eyed Susan 

234 Satan in Paris 

235 Rosina Meadows [ess 

236 West End, or Irish Heir- 

237 Six Degrees of Crime 

238 The Lady and the Devil 

239 Avenger.orMoorof &.ici- 
40 Masks and Faces [ly 



VOL. XXXI. 

241 Merry Wives of Wlndso: 

242 Mary's Birthday 

243 Shandy Maguire 

244 Wild Oats 

245 Michael Erie 
•246 Idiot Witness 

247 Willow Copse 

248 People's Lawyer 

VOL. XXXII. 

249 The Boy Martyrs 

250 Lacretia Borgia 

251 Surgeon of Paris 

252 Patrician's Daughter 

253 Shoemaker of Toulouse 

254 Momentous Question 

255 Love and Loyalty 

256 Robber's Wife 

VOL. xxxm. 

257 Dumb Girl of Genua 

258 Wreck Ashore 

259 Clari 

260 Rural FeUcity 

261 Wallace 

262 Madelaine 

263 The Firemito 

264 Grist to the Mill 

VOL. XXXIV. I 

265 Two Loves and a Life 

266 Annie Blake 

267 Stewaid 

268 Captain Kyd 

269 Nick of the Woods 

270 Marble Heart 

271 Second Love 

272 Dream at Sea 

VOL. XXXV. 

273 Breach of Promise 

274 Review 

275 Lady of the Lake , 

276 Still Water Buns Deep I 
271 The Scholar 

278 Helping Hands 

279 Faust and Marguerite 

280 Last Man 
VOL. XXXVI. 

281 Belle's Stratagem 

282 Old and Young 

283 Raffaella 

284 Euth Oakley 

285 British Slave 
28G A Life's Ransom 

287 Giralda 

288 Time Tries AH 
VOL. XXXVII. 

289 Ella Eosenburg 

290 Warlock of the Glen 

291 Zelina 

292 Beatrice 

293 Neighbor Jackwood 

294 Wonder 

295 Robert Emmet 

296 Green Bushes 

VOL. XXXVIII. 

297 Flowers of the Forest 

298 A Bachelor of ArU 

299 The Midnight Banquet 

300 Husband of an Hour 

301 Love's Labor Lost 

302 Naiad Queen 

303 Caprice 

304 Cradle of Liberty 

VOL. XXXIX. 

305 The Lost Ship 

306 Country Squire 

307 Fraud and its Victims 

308 Putnam 

309 King and Deserter 

310 La Fiammina 

311 A Hard Struggle j 

312 Qwinnette Vaughan 
VOL. XL. 

313 The Love Knot ; Judge 
314Lavater, or Not a Bad 

315 The Noble Heart 

316 Corlolanus I 

317 The Winter's Tale 

318 Eveleen Wilson ! 

319 Ivanhoe 

320 Jonathan in England 



{Catalogxxe continufl on third page, of 



No. XXVI. 
FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA 



KING OF THE COMMONS 

IN FIVE ACTS. 

/ 
BY REV. JAMES WHITE. 

WITH THE STAGE BUSINESS, CAST OF CHARACTERS, CO*- 
TUMES REL/^TIVE POSITIONS, &c. 

At PliATEE AT THE PRINCESS's THEATRE, LONDON At»D 
THE PARK THEATRE, NEW TORE. 



// 



NEW YORK : 
SAMUEL FRENCH, PUBLTSHEK. 




\Z10 

CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Prir.cesa'f. Park. 

King Jame.i V. of Scotland Mr. Macrcady. Mr Charles Koan. 

Sir Adam. Weir., of Ijaic/imont " Ryder. " Barry. 

George fVtir, his nephew (called Budiie) " Cooper. " Dyott. 

Malcolm Young, related to Sir Adam " L.Murray. " Stark. 

Laird Small, of Moss-Holm " Comjiton." " Bass. 

Mituffo Small, his son '• Fisher. 

Lord Seton •■ Sutherland. 

Lord flume a Anderson. 

Lord Maxwell " M'Douall. 

Lord Sor.ierDille " Andrews. 

Lord Kilmaura •' Gallot. 

Lord Cassilii • " Matthews 

fiiskop " Bellamy 

U'-iher » Povey. 

Ogicer « Milot. 

Attendant " Sprague 

Servant <• Hirst. 

Lord Crrey, Archbishop, Guards, Headsman, Robbers, Messenger, ifC. 

Madeleine Weir, grandchild of Sir Ad.am, Mrs. Stirling. Mrs. Charles Kean. 

tndow Barton, niece to Sir Adum,.......' « Dyott. 

Time, 1542. 



COSTUMES. 

Kl.VG JAMES— First Dress : Arm-hole cloak, black velvet doublet and trunk* 
lined with gold, black silk stockings and velvet shoos, large black hat and white 
feathers.— Seco;KZX)ress— Green cloth over-shirt, sword and leather belt, and high 
dark riding boots, Scotch bonnet, short staff in hand. 

''P^'^S.— Tile same style as the Kings's first dress, but the colors of dress different. 

SIR ADAM WEIR,— A black cloth suit of the same style as those of the uobles out 
plainer, and trimmed with black velvet, white wig, and beard. 

MALCOLM YOUNG.— First Dress: A gray cloth shirt, long black arm-hole cloak, 
pomothing like a college gown, student'^ csl^.— Second Dress: A handsome cava- 
lier dress, after the same style as that of the lords. 

LAIRD SMALL. — A plain, dark-colored doublet, and arm-hole cloak, a hood, and 
Scotch bonnet over it. 

MUNGO.— A brocade shirt, with very short smart arm-hole cloak, gay colors, very 
siiiall hat, and cock's feather. 

BUCKIE. -Same style as King's second dress, shepherd's plaid wound round. The 

Mtr' *'^*'"^' °- wolf's-head cap, and large cloak. 

MADELEINE.— White watered silk trimmed with blue and cherry chequers, plaid 
scarf and veil. , 

WIDOW BARTON.— Grey cloth dress, trimmed with black velvet, point lace cap. 



EXITS AND ENTRANCES. 
R. means Right ; L. Left; R. D. Right Door; L. D. Left Door; 
S. B. Second Entrance; U. E. Upper Entrance; M. D. Middle Door, 

RELATIVE POSITIONS. 
R., means Right; L.,Left; C, Centre ; R. C, Right of Centre; 
L. C, Left, of Centre. 



iV_B. Pa$iagea marked vith Inverted Commas, 
repreasnttttion. 



usually omitted in the 






Ml [TORIAL introduction. 

A tVBiTj.R in Blackwood's Magazine, who was present at the 
first representation of this play, pronounces it " one of the most 
Buccessful dramas which has been produced for a long time upon 
the stage" ; and adds : " our own judgment might possibly have 
been swayed by partiality — not so that of the thousands who 
have since witnessed its repeated and successful representation." 

The " King of the Commons" was first performed the 20th 
May, 1846, at the Princess's Theatre, London. The author, 
James White, a Scottish clergyman, was known to the literary 
world by his play of the " Earl of Gowrie," which, though 
much praised for its dramatic promise, had not been written for 
the stage, and has never been performed. The present piece, as 
wb learn from the concurrent testimony of the critics, was emi- 
nently successful. The manly courage, chivalrous gallantry, 
and gusty passions of James, however contradicted by historical 
statements, tell capitally on the stage, and well suited Macrea- 
dy's fitful, wayward, sentimental style of acting. He was re- 
ceived with deafening applause in the part, which is somewhat 
long and arduous, requiring great energy and variety of temper- 
ament. The play was handsomely put upon the stage ; and all 
the characters, with the exception of Mungo, were well sus- 
tained. Mr. Ryder was respectable in Sir Adam Weir; Mr. 
Leigh Murray, pathetic and spirited in Malcolm ; Mr. Cooper, 
blunt and manly in Buckie ; and Mr. Compton irresistibly funny 
in Laird Small ; while for Mrs. Sterling, " it must be said she 
was nothing less than excellent in Madeleine." The scene be- 
tween Seton and the King in the fourth act, where the former is 
accused of treason, and exculpated by the very document that is 
brought to oveiwhelm him, commanded the warmest applausa 
of the cri'wded audience. The last act also went off with spirit; 



IV EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION. 

although the denouement is rather too obvious throughout. C'c 
the fall of the curtain, Mr. Macrcady was called for, and cheered 
with shouts of congratulation ; and then " some noisy persons 
persevered in bawling for the author, till he was compelled to 
shew himself in the stage-box, and bow his thanks to these ob- 
streperous claqueurs of the Commons." The play was subse- 
quently repeated a number of nights with undiminished success 

The " King of the Commons" is full of indications of a high 
order of genius for dramatic writing. The faults are those of in- 
experience, and an ignorance of the requisitions of the modem 
stage. The character oi James is boldly sketched, and sustaiued 
with spirit throjighout. The author has evidently bestowed 
upon it the most elaborate touches, and it is no unworthy addi- 
tion to the dramatic portrait-gallery of English literature. The 
comic portions of the play, though not unpleasing upon the stage 
when well represented, betray the hand of the novice. The 
lovers, too, are somewhat after the old, conventional pattern of 
novelists and play -Wrights ; although Malcolm has one or two 
fine bursts of emotion in his last interview with . his reprobate 
kinsman. Sir Adam. 

The author deserves our admiration for the skill with which 
he has wrought out, from materials apparently slight, and a plot 
of remarkable simplicity, so pleasing and effective a drama ; and 
this without any far-fetched incident or exaggerated passion — 
without any false straining after effect, or ambitious misuse of 
language. If he can so successfully handle a subject so unpro- 
mising, we are justified in looking for a far greater triumph, 
wnen he shall try his hand upon a story of more suggestive op- 
portunities and more exciting interest. 

" "Were we to venture," says the critic in Blackwood's Ma- 
gazine, from whose remarks we have already quoted, "upon any 
I road criticism, after a careful perusal of this play, and of The 
Earl of Gowrie, we should be inclined to say that Mr. "White 
sinr rather upon the side of reserve, than that of abandonment. 
We think he might well afford to give a freer rein to his genius 
— to scatter before us more of the flowers of poesy — to elevate 
the tone of his language and the breadth of his imagery, more 
especially in the principal scenes. It may be- -and we almost 



EDITORIAL INTItODUCTION. ^ 

believe it — that he entertains a theory contrary to ours : that hii 
effort throughoiit has been to avoid all exaggeration, and to imi 
tate, as nearly as the vehicle of verse will allow, not only the 
transactions, but the dialogue of actual life. But, is this theory, 
after all, substaniially correct ? A play, according to our ideas, 
is not intended to be a mere daguerreotype of what has passed 
or is passing around us ; it is also essentially a poem, and never 
can be damaged by any of the arts which the greatest masters in 
all times have used for the composition of their poetry. Much 
must be said in a play, which in real hfe would find no utter- 
ance ; for passion, in most ^f its phases, does not usually speak 
aloud ; and therefore it is that we not only forgive, but actually 
require, some exaggeration on the stage, in order to bring out 
more clearly the thouglits which in truth would have remained 
unspoken. 

" In the matter of ornament, much must be left to the discre- 
tion and the skill of the author. We are as adverse as any man 
can be, to overflowing diction--to a smothering of thoughts in 
verbiage — to images which distract the mind by their over-im- 
portance to the subject. But the dramatic author, if he carefully 
considers the past annals of his craft, can hardly fail to remark, 
that no ])]ay has ever yet achieved a permanent reputation, un- 
less, in addition to general equable excellence, it contains some 
scenes or passages of more than common beauty or power, into 
the composition of which the highest species oi poetr}' enters — 
where the imagination is allowed its unchecked flight, and the 
fancy its utmost range. Thus it was, at all events, that Shaks- 
peare wrote ; and if our theory should be by any deemed erro- 
neous, we are contented to take shelter under his mighty name, 
and appeal to his practice, artless as it may have been, as the 
highest authority of the world. 

" But, after all, we are content to take the play as we find it. 
Of The Earl of Gowrie, Mr. White's earlier production, we 
have left ourselves in this article little room to speak. In some 
points, it is of a higher and more ambitious caste than the other 
— written with more apparent freedom ; and some of the charac 
ters — Logan of Kestalrig, for example — are powerfully coneei 
ved. It is not, however, so well adapted for the stage as the 



VI EDITORIAL INTRODUCTIOX, 

othvT drama. James the Sixtli, according to our author's por- 
traiture, is a far less personable individual than his grandsire ; 
and the quaint mixture of Scots and Latin with which his spee- 
ches are decorated, would sound strangely and uncouthly in mo- 
dern ears, even could a competent actor be found." 

The " King of the Commons" is underlined for representation 
at the Park Theatre, Wednesday, the second of September, 
]846; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kean appearing in the parts of 
King James and Madeleine — a cast, which cannot fail to insure 
it a degree of success in the United States, equal to that which 
has already attended it in London ani Edinburgh. 



rn 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 

The ptesent pir y is one of a series on the Stuart Kings 
of Scotland. The only one hitherto published, " The Earl 
of Gowrie," was sent in manuscript to Bariy Cornwall, 
and by him forwarded, with a very flattering judgment, to 
Mr. Macready. Ti. ough I was entirely unacquainted with 
both, they at once entered very warmly into my views 
and I have now th 5 grateful task of offering to Mr. Mac 
ready my thanks fr.r his great kindness in suggesting such 
improvements in Tiis drama, as render it more adapted for 
the stage than my theatrical inexperience would have ena- 
bled me to make ^t. 

I shall always feel pleased with my dramatic attempt, 
as it has gained r.ae some friends of whom I may well be 
proud, — and shown me that if the Drama is at present 
sunk, it is from no unwillingness, on the part of those most 
interested in its success, to give every assistance to a new 
effort in the cause, — and still less from any niggardliness 
of praise and encouragement, on the part of the critics, to 
an author who honestly applies himself to the task. 

Bonchurch, Isle of Wight, 
May nth, 1846. 



'^ TO 

EDMUND PEEL, ESQ. 

OF UNDERROCK, BONCHURCH; 

A MARK OF FRIENDSHIP AND REGARD 

FROM 

THE AUTHOR. 



THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 



ACT I. 



Scene I. — Ante-Chamber at Holyrood. — Mungo Small in 
attendance, and Buckie roughly dressed, are discovered. 

Buc. (r.) I pray you, let me to audience of the king. 

Mun. (l.) His majesty has not appeared to-day : 
I dare not call him. 

Buc. Dare not call the king 1 
You wrong his fame. He scarce would turn away 
A beggar from his gate — 

Mun. And you, good friend 1 

Buc. Am not a beggar, save that I may see \an\. 

Mun. I trust 'tis joyous news you bring. Thp whip 
May pay you scurvily for woeful tidings. 

Buc. How ? Is the guerdon measured in such v^iae ? 
Then he runs risk to hear few sober truths. 
Will it be long before the king comes forth 1 

Mun. Is't from the South you come 1 Nithsd^le they 
say, 
Is filled with soldiers ; old Caerlaverock groans 
With the prodigious weight of metal guns 
From Flanders. 

Buc. Does it. Sir 1 I hope its groans 
Will move your pity to procure me hearing 
From gracious James. 

Mun. " No, curse me if I do ! 
" Why, where the devil have you left your tongue ? 

" Buc. Between my teeth, Si-r : 'tis the safest place 
** If you've a runaway horse, it's my advice 
" To keep the stable shut. 

" Mun. Oh ! that's the advice 1 
** Now, then, I'll give you my advice to match ; 



10 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 



[Ac«-X 



" If you would see the king, let that same horse 
" Of yours be civil ; and not kick and bite, 
" And look so cursfed sulky." Get you gone ; 
King James is busy, with a dozen lords. 
Some bishops, and his eminence. Be off! 

Buc. Sir, I can wait. 

Mun. So much the better, Sir : 
You'll have a famous opportunity. — 
[Aside.l A close-mouthed hunks ! Gad, if his news weio 

gold, 
He could not be more sparing. 

Buc. I'm as patient 
As Job ; and could change places with a milestone, 
So little fond am I of moving. — Here [Sitting R. O 

I sit ; and all the ushers in the court, 
And chamberlains, and chambermaids to boot, 
Sha'n't move me, till I've seen our lord the king. 

Mun. I'll beat about the bush no longer. — Hem ! 
Plump ! what's your business ? 

Buc. Plump ! — I will not tell you. 

Mun. Then you sha'n't see him. 

Buc. Then I shall ! 

Mun. Oh, will you ? — 

The folding-doors fly open, c. — Enter James, hurriedly, 
followed by Lords Maxwell, Cassilis, Seton, Hume, 
KiLMAURs, Gray, Somerville, the Archbishop, Bi- 
shop, Ushers, ^r. 

James. He will not ? — but he must ! Not send the men 1 
Why, what a silken-souled, white-livered knave ! 
What's his excuse '? 

Max. He's old — he's very old. 

James. Old ] will he tremble in the chimney comer. 
Counting his miserable years 1 How old ? 
Has he a hand left 1 Can he see and hear ? 
By heaven ! he shall not cozen us with age ! 
If he's not with us on the Boroughmuir 
With his whole house, — his vassals — every one — 
He shall be seized for treason, if his age 
Were counted by the century. Hark, my lords ! 
I know there's more than age in this excuse. 

Max. Lord Bothwell is an aged man. 



SOEKEI] IHK KING OF THE COMMONS. 11 

James. Too old 
To feel a Scotsman's blood stream at his heart f 
I know, I know, — but, as I live by bread, 
I'll show the sceptre's not a willow wand ! 
Trust me, 'twere wise in you t join my banner 
With every spear you have. We've winked too long 
But we have not been blind. 

Max. My gracious lord, 
Banish these harsh thoughts of your noble peers, 
And listen to our humble suit. 

James. Oh! humble, — 
Your humble suit, — now, curse on humble suits. 
Urged with false tongues ! I'd rather have rough words 
Ay ! though against ourself, from the bold heart, 
Than these same humble suits. What is your suit ? 

Max. That you would pause, ere you advance your ban- 
ner 
Against the English king, your loving kinsman. 

James. There spoke the recreant Scot ! The English 
king, 
God pardon me ! I think, is king of Scots. 
My lords — my lords ! this is no time to pause ; 
Our loving kinsman is our deadliest foe. 
Plucking our wreathed honours, one by one. 
Not in brave fight, but slily, stealthily, — 
Turning our nobles into gilded slaves. 
And stripping this poor crown of all it had, 
Not gold and jewels — they may go, and welcome, — 
But honour and the allegiance of true hearts, 
That were its glory through three hundred years. 
I looked not for it — I thought better things. 

\A pause — the nobles look disconcerted. 
If I had heard a man two years agone, 
Say that the Scottish nobles would desert 
Their king, when England dared them to come on, 
[ would have slain him as a slanderous liar; — 
But now ! \Goes up ahruptlu 

Homer. [To a BisJiop.] Your lordship is a man of peace J 
kSpeak to the king. 

Bishop, (l.) What can I say to him 1 

Somer. Tell him to spare his people. 

Bishop. Ah, my lord ! 



10 THE KING OF IHE COMMONS. [Act I 

I need not tell king James to spare his people ; 
They know he loves them. 

Somer. But he'll spill their blood. 

Bishop. Better to spill their blood than lose their soula 
" Oh, there be times and causes, good my lords ! 
'• When the white Christian dove must seek her nest, 
" And leave the murky clouds to be cleft through 
" By the strong pinioned eagle." There be times 
When Piety herself must gird the sword, 
And meek Religion, like an Amazon, 
Dart her fierce glances over fields of war. 

James. [Advancing, r.] Well spoken, good Lord Bi- 
shop 1 if the fire 
That warms your heart, gave but its sacred heat 
To other bosoms, there might yet be hope 
For me — and Scotland ! 

" KiL There was fire enough 
" In Scottish hearts, that now are. chilled." 

" James." Now hear me — 
There shall no Douglas trample on this land, 
While there's a Stuart to defend his people. 
" Where is the Douglas now ] In Surrey's ranks, 
" Feeding on England's offals ; nursing scaith 
" To all our realm ; hounding the tyrant on, 
" The blustering braggait Henry ; let them go !" 
Scotland can face all Tudors on the earth. 
And all the Douglases to boot ! 

Somer. 'Twere wise 
To see your royal uncle, 

James. What to hear 1 
His threats, and worse than threats — his patronage ? 
As if we stooped our sovran crown, or held it 
As vassal from the greatest king alive. 
No ; we are poor — I know we are poor, my lords ; 
Our realm is but a niggard in its soil, 
And the fat fields of England wave their crops 
In richer dalliance with the autumn winds, 
Than our bleak plains ; but from our nigged dells. 
Springs a far richer harvest — gallant hearts. 
Stout hanlds, and courage that would think foul scora 
To quail before the face of mortal man. 
We are our people's king. For you, n,iy lords. 



Scxirc I.] 



THE KlNvJ OF THE COMMONS. 13- 



Leave me to face the enemy alone ! 

I care not for your silken company. 

I'll to my stalwart men-^I'll name my name, 

And bid them follow James. They'll follow me — 

Fear not — they'll follow ! 

Cas. [To Somerville.] He will do it, my lord. 
Promise him fair. 

Somer. My liege, I but presumed 
To advise delay. I speak for other peers — 
If you give order to advance to the south, 
We will obey you. 

James. Do you speak for all 1 [Goes to Somerville. 

Lord Somerville, your hair is white with years ; 
Our own is griazled now, but not with age. 
We have had griefs — we've had- — but let it go j 
We may be harsh in tongue ; but if you saw 
Our heart, you would give privilege to the words. 
For the dear love they spring from. Sweetest wine 
Gives strongest sour. My lords, you pardon us ! 

Somer. My liege, we are your loving subjects ever. 

James. You'll meet me- on the Boroughmuir as fixed | 
Armed for our war, with all your followings. 
We will not keep you now. Farewell, my lords, 
We have much yet before us — fare ye well ! 

[Exeu?it lords, c, except Seton, who is Jbllowing; 

James. \To Setora.] Seton — ^good Seton !' — stay with rne 

Seton. My liege, 
You honour me. 

James. Well, man, and wherefore not ? 
Do you not know I mean to honour you 1 
Stand not so coldly, Seton ; come more near. 
Seton, I thought I that had gathered to me 
Love, trust, obedience, frrfm — -but let them go ! 
I have you left. You'll never leave me, Seton ! 

Seton. Never ! But why this tone ? 

James. Because my tongue 
Takes lessons from my heart. Ah, Seton — Seton ! 
I was the proudest king — -too proud, perhaps—^ 
I thought I was but foremost in a band 
Of men, of brothers, of true-hearted Scots; 
But, pshaw ! — it shall not move me. 

Seton. My gjod liege. 



14 THE KING OF THE COMKONS. 



[Act I 



I think you're too much stirred by the loose talk 
Of 

James. No, no, Seton ; there is more in this 
Than the loose tampering of an idle tongue. 
I tell you, Seton, they have made the crown 
A bauble on my head. But not for that. 
Fail I in purpose — not a jot. Ah, friend, 
I sought for hearts — I found but lip and eyes ! 

Seton. You wrong me — oh ! my liege — if £ might dare, 
I'd say my friend. 

James. Say it ! I like the word ; 
Call me your friend. 

Seton. My friend ! my too kind friend ! 

James, Well ! Let me say in brief — for time is short- 
Go to the Boroughmuir, and watch the looks 
Of our blue Bonnets, when you give the word 
For trampling on the bonny English Rose. 
If they are true — ha ! Seton — if our trust 
Is in stout jerkins, and we pass in scorn 
From blazoned shield and the tall waving plume 

Seton. I think your grace may /3o it. 

James. Never king 
Was half so great, girt round with gewgaw earls, 
As circled by his people ! Hurry, then. 
And speed you well ! I trust you. What a word 
For a king's lip to utter to one man — 
I trust you ! 

Seton. Seton has no voice for thanks. \Exit, c. 

James, (r. c.) Will they be traitors still 1 and play the 
game 
Was played at Lauder Bridge 1 and leave their king 
Unshielded, to the scorn and laugh of England! 
I will not think so meanly of them yet : 
They are not forward, as their fathers were, 
Who died at Flodden, as the brave should die, 
With sword in hand, defiance in their hearts, 
And a whole land to weep arjd honour them. 
If they desert me — well, I can but die. 
And better die than live a powerless king ! 

[He sinks in thought. — Buckie romes forward, h., and 
kneels at his Jeet. 
What now ! who are you, friend ] Ha ! I remember ; 



SniEHE I.] THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 15 

We've looked for you ere this. Up, up, man — up ! 
What want you with us 1 

■Buc. Your majesty — but there be ears too near — 

[Pointing to Mungo. 

James. [To Mungo.] Retire ! 

Mun. [Aside.] The hunks ! I wcnder who he is. 

[Exit. R. 

James. Speak out, man ! *Twas a perilous dip in ihe 
Avon, 
That your stout arm and ready help, made safe. 

Buc. Oh, sir, we're used to simple things like that ! 

James. What ! plucking drowning kings out of a river 1 
Well, it is lucky you had practice, friend, 
We might have fared the worse else. 

Buc. I was happy 
In being by to risk my limbs and life. 
Where Scotland has so long fixed all her love. 

James. Zounds ! you speak well — a stout, bold, honest 
fellow, — 
What wan •■ you with us 1 

Buc. To make known to your grace 
A something that concerns the kingdom's weal. 

James. In truth 1 some scant of justice to yourself I 
Some trickster wronged you on a market-day % 
Out with it ! we will right you, if we can. 

Buc. No, -gracious king; I speak not of myself. 

" James. Your father, then 1 gave him false weight of 
grain. 
"For Heaven's sake, man, make your complaint at once." 

" jBmc." 'Tis treason against you, 

James. What say you 1 — treason ] 
" Who are you, friend 1 

" Buc. I saved your royal life 
"At hazard of my own. Oh, happier far, 
" If I may save your fame ! 

" Jamej. Sir, pardon me, ^ 

" If I mistook you ! Now I listen — speak ! 

Buc. My liege, you've heard of rich Sir Adam W^eir^ 
Of Laichmont ] 

James. I've heard of him — go an ; 
A rich old usurer. 

Buc. Ay, Sir ; but his stores 



16 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 



[Act I 



Are heaped for other uses than to lend 
To needy lords, or riotous young heirs. 

James. What is't you mean ] You speak in parables. 

Btcc. He pays a stipend — month by month he pays kt — 
By order sent from England, " signed by Bowes," 
To knights and nobles that take daily stand 
Around your throne. 

James. What nobles and what knights 1 
But, no — I will not know their names. A stipend— 
A monthly bribe ! To bend their necks so low ! 
I would not hear their names. If it were Hume ! 
Or Seton ! No, no, no — it cannot be ! 
Ha ! a base bribe ; a mean, false, cringing crew . 
Tell me no name ! I'd make them rue the hour 
They sold our Scottish honour for their bribes — 
But — is it true ? — [Seizes him by the collar.] " Dog ! if fou 

tell me false, 
" I'll brain you on the wall !" Who told you this ? 
Where lives this Weir ? How got you this advice % 

Buc. He lives at Laichmont, near to Calder, Sire. 

James. I'll see him. From hia heart I'll tear the truth. 
Thanks, friend. 'Twas kindly meant : but, by my soul, 
I wish this thing had not been told to me, 
That I had thought them fickle, wilful, cold, 
Cowards — ay, cowards — anything but this. 
Thanks : I will see you soon. Take this, and this. 

{Gives his ring and purse 
Say naught of what you've told me. I will ride 
To Laichmont House this hour, — this very hour. 
Gh, if 'tis true : if they're the very slaves 
To live on foreign bribes — there shall be blood 
Shall make the High Street run as if with wine ! 
Good day, my friend^be silent — and farewell. [Eadt, 

Buc. He rides alone — he must not ride alone ; 
He's worth the whole of the nobles in a bunch. 
I'll be his guard, if no one else will. 

Mun. [Re-entering, r.] Well ? 
What said the King ? 

Bxic. That if an impudent fellow 
Asked any questions, I must tell him— » 

Mun. — What 1 
I knew you'd tell me. 



St«HBlI.l THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 17 

Buc. That he was an ass, 
And should keep all his breath to cool his porridge. [Exit 
Mun. Breath ! — porridge ! — in your teeth, you saucy 
knave ! [Exit, c. 

Scene II. — A Wood in Laichmont. 
Enter Madeleine and Malcolm, b. 

Made. This way it flew. Come, Malcolm ; see how 
high 
It soars, as if 'twere weary of the world, 
And wished to have a home far up in heaven ! 

Malcolm. Ah, 'twere a happy bird to win such place. 
And never sink to rugged earth again ! 

Made. Oh, for a hawk, full summed and high of soar, 
To follow it into the filmy clouds 
And bring it to our feat. But, well-a-day ! 
We have no hawking now. Five years since, Malcolm, 
Ere you went to St. Andrew's, how we loved 
To watch the quarry as it rose and rose, 
And our strong falcon after it ! But now 
We are so dull and listless. — You've forgotten 
The manege of the lure. I do not think 
You could unstrike the jesses for your life. 

Mai. I v/ish I could as easily unstrike 
The strings that keep my memories in hood. 
And let them down the wind. 

Made. And think no more 
Of the gay time we had when we were young % 
When we were all alone with cousin Barton 1 
When Grandsire was away in foreign climes. 
Far o'er the sea, and we rode forth and hawked. 
And laughed all day. Would you forget them, Malcolm 1 

Mai. I wish I could, my gentle Madeleine, — 
' For these bright clouds come up like sinful visions, 
•' Conjured by magic to distract the souls 
" Of solitary men, in lightless caves, 
" Retired to commune with their own sad hearts. 

Made. But, Malcolm, then your heart was never sad ; 
You were the boldest horseman, sped your arrow 
Straighter than all, rode deftliest at the ring, 
And sang the gayest. Wherefore are you changed 1 



18 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. [ACV I. 

Ma.. Yo I know the reason, thoughtless Madeleine ! 

Made. I don't : I see you're changed. I know not why. 

Mai. Know you not I have felt the chilling hand 
Of the Archbishop 1 

Made. And that saddens you ? 
Dear Malcolm, do not mind my heedless talk, 
would not make you sad for all the world. 

[She holds out her hand. 

Mai. Would you not ? But — I may not take your hand. 

Made. Why not, dear Malcolm 1 Take my hand, I 
pray you. 

Mai. No. 

Made. Malcolm, you are not ofTended with me ? 
I did not mean to vex you. Oh, forgive me ! 
I cannot bear to see you look so sad. 
Will you not take my hand 1 

Mai. What! take your hand? 
I would — oh, Heavens— no ! I'll not take your hand. 

Made. And we grew up together ! — and at last 
You're angry with me — tell me, tell me why 1 
Oh ! I'll do anything to please you, Malcolm ; 
Just take my hand, and say that you forgive me ! 
„ Mai. Madeleine, if I were to touch your hand- 
If — but — I tell you — no, no, never more ! 

[He covers Ms face with his handi. 

Enter James, l., disguised in a common travelling dress, 
resisting robbers. 

Rob. Down with him ! 

James. Easier said than done, my friend ! 
What, ho ! 

Made. Help! help! 
■ Mai. [RusJiing forward with his staff.] WTiat ! five on 

one I Down, dogs ! 
And you — and you [The robbers are beaten off, 

James. All gone — all gone ! i'faith, 
'Tis pleasant after-dinner exercise ; 
And you, brave sir — I thank you from my heart 
'Twas nobly done — by'r lady — and a youth ! 
Let the knaves go ; they did not fight amiss. 

Mai. You are not hurt, sir 1 

James. But a bump or so 



ScKHElIl] THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 19 

On the tough head ; 'tis used to such small coin. 
One fellow came beliind me with a staff, 
Before I saw him. Let me thank you again, 
For timely aid. I would I knew yourname, 
That I might name it in ray prayers to-night. 

Mai. My name is Malcolm Young, commendator 
Of the St. Andrew's Church, a distant kinsman 
To the owner of this ground, Sir Adam Weir. 
This is Sir Adam Weir's, of Laichraont Grange. 

James. Sir Adam Weir ] — a worthy gentleman. 
I feel my wound is heavier than I thought : 
Might I make trespass for an hour or two 
On his kind nature 1 

Mai. This, sir, is his grandchild, 
She'll bid you v/elcome to her kinsman's house. 

James. Madam. T am a stranger in these parts, 
Or surely I should, long ere this, have heard 
The praises of a face so fair as yours. 

Made. [In alarm.] Ob, sir, waste not the time in com 
pliment — 
Pray you, come to the house. My cousin, sir, 
Is skilled in liniments. Support him, Malcolm. 

31al. Lean on my arm. 

James. I've felt its worth before ; 
I hope to pay you for't some other time. 

[Exeunt, l., Malcolm supporting King James. 

Scene III. — A Parlour in Laichmont House. 

Sir Adam Weir and Widow Barton discovered. — Sit 
Adam at a table, l. c, is busy arranging a packet.— 
Widow Barton seated, r. c, has a small pestle and mor- 
tar on her knee. 

Sir A. " A messenger — a faithful messenger. 
* Malcolm — he is my kinsman, and a priest ; 
" This Mungo — he's a courtier and a fool ; 
" If Dacre knew the risk he lays on me 
" In" traffic with these Lords, he scarce would grudge 
" Name, rank, all that I claim, to pay the peril. * 
If I can get these missives to the lords, 
And stay this war — ^by the persuasive tones 
Of English crowns ! The risk ! — the risk ! — this day 



20 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. FAct I 

A messenger must be found, — or dovni goes all 
The fabric I have raised, — James will draw sword— 
And I — but tis too horrible to think on't. [Comes J'ortoard, 

Widow. I warrant, now, my uncle has some p'Jan — 
Some herb, now, with a crabbed Latin name — 
To mix with this discoction. — He's so glum ! 
I think I'll ask him. — Uncle ! Good Sir Adam ! [Risei, 

Sir A. Ha ! — oh ! 'tis only you^ — I'm busy, niece. 
Where is your cousin 1 — where's my Madeleine 1 

Widow. I thought 'twould be about his Madeleine ! 
She's gone out for an hour with Malcolm Young. 

Sir A. Good ! I would have her hold his company 
As oft as may be. He is stored with learning. 
And may enrich her mind — a studious youth. 
Tell her, when she returns, I wish to see her. 

Widow. It's always so. These wondrous clever people 
Are all alike. And as for Madeleine, 
They'll spoil her : I'm quite sure they'll spoil the girl 
With their fine learning. I never saw any good 
Come of such things. " I never knew a word 
" Of any tongue but good, plain, honest Scots, 
" Nor read a book, nor wrote a single line, 
" And I've done very well. I wish the giil 
" May do as well, with all her French and Spanish " 
Sir Adam, know you what it is o'clock 1 
The laird will soon be here. 

Sir A. I shall be ready 
To give him welcome. 

Widow. Is the laird a scholar 1 

Sir A. I do not think he is. He never aimed 
At scholarship. 

Widow. Indeed ] — so much the better— 
Nor I. 

Sir A. What, did you never 1 

Widotv. Never aimed 
At scholarship ; but I'll get ready now 
To see the laird. Fd»#, K* 

Sir A. And yet she was the wife — 
This silly, talking, thoughtless, empty thmg — 
Of a brave man — a gentleman — as wise 
And deep in counsel, as was e'er a man 
Of Scottish blood ; " ay, and he loved her too, 



ScEHE III.] THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 21 

" And knew not, all the time they lived together, 
" What a poor doll she was. 'Tis very strange 
" For she had never sense to see his worth, 
" And yet she loved him too, after a sort ; 
" And she was pi'oud of him — yet knew not why—" 
Well ; they were happy. — Why should Madeleine 
Be wretched, if her husband is a fool ] 
I would not have her wretched — not quite wretched. 
But she must wed the heir of rich Laird Small. 
" Oh ! she will love him.^perhaps, — as Barton did 
• My silly niece, her cousin. Well, I hope so.'' 

Enter Laird Small, r. 

Liaird. Give ye good day, Sir Adam. 

Sir A. Welcome, Sir, 
Welcome to Laichmont Grange. 

Laird. A dirty day, 
Gadso — a dirty day — and a false nicno. 

Sir A. I hope no ill has happ'd. 

Laird. A dirty day, 
I tell you. As I came by Whitstone mill, 
I lost the path : and — I must sell the mare, 
She's a false gipsy — and walked into the ditch, 
And never minded how I tugged and pulled — 
She knelt down on her knees, to drink the faster. 
And o'er her head — a false deceitful jade — 
And into the ditch — I'll sell her for ten pounds. 

Sir A. Done. I will buy her of you ; fret no more. 

Laird. English — the pounds were English ! 

Sir A. Be it so. 
You're not much hurt ] 

Laird. No, no — not hurt ; but spoilt, 
My doublet splashed, and all my new white feather 
Clean lost. My bonnet's like a bantam cock 
Without the tail. 

Sir A. I'm glad to see you here. 
And have been thinking over what we said. 
When last we spoke upon a certain matter 
Touching us both. 

Laird. Gadso ! and so have I. 

■Sir A. , You sea this pictured plan, friend Small ; 'tii 
drawn 



22 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. VI [Act I 

By a cunning artist. 'Tis our two estates, 
The boundaries, the measurements ; each field. 
Each tree, each ditch. 

Laird. It is not possible ! 
Gad so 1 I had a friend who — let it pass — 
1 have forgotten — but he held tlie pencil. 
And drew and drew — 'twas marvellous how he drew. 
And this is yours and mine 1 Gadso ! gadso ! — 
I see. 

" Sir A. You see where, to the right, it bends — 

" Laird. Ay, 'tis the Langstone Knowe — I kr.ov» it 
well. 
" I have a flock there — thirty-five white sheep — 
'' A goodly flock. 

'' Sir A. And here the river runs ! 

" Laird. It is the Bourtree burn — the bonny burn ! 
" Gadso ! he's a rare hand, the planner on't." 

Sir A. If the estates were joined, and one sole man 
Could ride round both, and call them all his own, 
" Here following up the river to the north, 
" The hill along the east, and to the south 
" And west the king's high-road " — what say you, friend J 

Laird. Gadso ! 'twere a most pleasant ride. Gadao ! 
'Twould be a square. I would it could be done. 

Sir A. It may be done. 

Laird. I cannot sell the lands — 
Moss-Holm is fast entailed 

Sir A. Upon your son. 

Laird. Hoo ! Gadso ! he's a youth ! I say, a youth. 
I'll say no more: there was a friend of mine 
Looked on him once, and said, "Friend Small," he s'jd 
"Your son is such a youth !" And so he is — 
He's such a youth. 

Sir A. I've never had the pleasure 
To see him yet. 

Laird. Oh ! he is well worth seeing ; 
" A goodly youth — not tall, not very tall — 
" But stout — -exceeding stout — and waits at court—* 
A courtly gentleman ; the King admires him, 
And loves him much — a very proper man, 
My son, young Mungo Small. 

Sir A. I doubt it not ; 



SCBHEllI.J THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 23 

And if you're fixed on what we settled last, 

I will not say you no. My girl is young 

And gentle, as I think — my only heir. 

Since heaven has left me to a childless age, 

After such struggles — both my boys ta'en from ma. 

Laird. I never lost a son — gadso ! I never 
Lost anything I cared for. Hem ! — I am wrong — 
I am a widower, dear Sir Adam Weir ; 
I lost ray wife — it was a grievous loss — 
Which minds me of a merry speech was made 
On the occasion by a friend of mine. 
He said — what was it, now 1 — I don't remember^ — 
But it was shrewd, — it made us laugh so much ! 
A pleasant wag ! 

Si?- A. When can I see your son ] 

Laird. Ob, any time. His month of waiting ends 
This very day. He'll come from Holyrood 
And hurry here. 

Enter Madeleine, u. 

But here's a pretty maid ! 

This is your grandchild, as I think. 

Sir A. It is. ^ 

What ails you, Madeleine ? You're pale, you're sad. 

Made. Oh, sir ! a thing has happ'd — a man near killed. 

Laird. Gadso ! 

Sir A. What man % what man % How mean you, girl ] 

Made. Malcolm and I were walking near the skirt 
Of Langstone planting, when there suddenly 
Rushed to us a man, resisting the assault 
Of five fierce robbers 

Laird. Gad ha' mercy ! Robbers ! 

Made. Malcolm rushed forward, and the villains fled. 
But the poor man — a wayfarer he seems — 
Was wounded, and he begged to rest awhile. 

Sir A. He's welcome. This is past all suffering; 
That robber grows more daring, day by day. 
You've heard, Laird Small, of Buckie of Drums! orlan, 
The reiver 

Laird. A deil's Buckie ! I can't sleep 
In my own bed anights for thinking of him. 
He minds me 



THE KfNG OF THE COMMONS. [Act II 

Sir A. Nay, don't tremble, Madeleine ; 
The danger's past. I'll see the stranger's wounds 
Attended to. — Go call my niece, my dear ; 
Let him be taken to the tapestry chamber, 
In the north tower. \Exit Madeleine, i.. 

Laird Small, will you go with me 1 

Laird. What, I ? and see him die 1 — perhaps he'll die 
I had a friend — a soldier — ah, I know ! — 
He was a gallant man, and fought at — somewhere, 
No matter what 'twas called ; a cannon shot 
Took off his head — and so, poor gentleman, 
He died. Pray Gad, this man do not the-same ! 
But if his head's on — yes, yes, I'll go see him 

Sir A. Come, then ! 

Laird. Oh, after you. Sir Adam ! 

Sir A. Come ! [Exeunt, r. 

END OP ACT I. 



AC T II. 

Scene I. — The Tapestry Room at Laichmont. 

James discovered, seated, l. c. — Madeleine at hit side 

Made. How feel you, sir ] 

James. Confused ; — as if in doubt 
Whether I live on this hard, workday soil, 
Or have already passed the bounds of time. 
And have an angel sent to solace me. 

Made. My cousin will be here with drugs, ere long, 
Shall soothe your pain. 

James. There are two deep physicians 
To whom I trust my cure, — wise Doctor Time, 
And his meek colleague, Patience. If, meanwhile. 
My gentle nurse, you'll let me wind your scarf 
Round, my shock hairs, 'twill bring such virtue with it, 
*' From touch of your most sweet and piteous bosom," 
That it will soothe the wound more speedily 
Than all the marvels in her skilful hands. 

[ Winds the xcarf around Ms head. 



ScEWE 1. 1 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 25 

. Laird Small looks cautiously in, — tJien enters, r. 
Laird. Is the man dead 1 — I hope he is not dead — 

I cannot bear to look on a dead man. 

Is he clean gone % 

James. \To 31adeleine.] What scaramouch is this 1 
Made. 'Tis the Laird Small; the owner of Moss-Holm 
James. [Aside.] Oh, father of my wonderful new usher— 

A likely sire of such a learned son ! 

Enter Sir Adam Weir, r. 

Sir A. [To tlie Laird.] I fear your speech may hurt the 
wounded man — 
[To Ja?nes.] You find the noise too much, sir] 

James. Yes, the voice 
Of the old Merry-Andrew is too sharp. 

Sir A. Sir ! you mistake — he is a gentleman. 

James. Oh, cry you mercy ! I thought he was a clown, 
Sent forward by some wandering mountebank. 

Sir A. Hush ! speak more low. You're not much hurt, 
I hope 1 

James. Not qv te enough to mind me of a priest — 
A little too mucv, to mind me of a play. 

Sir A. Oh ! rest and time will set you up again. 

\To the Laird. 
Retire you now, Laird Small, — I'll hold some speech 
Apart with him, and join you by-and-by. 

Laird. Gadso ! it is not safe ; if he should die, 
'Twould frighten you for life. — Pray you, good sir. 
Don't die till we've had notice. I once knew 
A man — but — well, I hope you'll join us soon. 
Don't die, good stranger — come, my pretty one ! 

[Exeunt Laird and Madeleine, r. 

Sir A. Are you of Scotland, friead ? 

James. [Rises and comes forward, L. c] No need ask thai, 
" If you but hear the music of my voice, 
" And see the graceful rounding of my cheek." 
Oh, yes ; I'm Sdotch enough ! 

Sir A. I saw at a glance 
You were no Frenchman ! 

James. No, i'faith — not I ; 
My fool's a little too heavy ; — no, sir, nothing 
But a plain Scot — atid honest, as times go. 



26 ' THE KING OF THE COMMONS. [Ao» II. 

Sir A. You look so, sir ! 

James. Looks are deceitful, sir ; 
I rede you trust them not ! 

Sir A. [Aside.] A brave-tongued knave i — 
And were you travelling all alone, my friend, 
When this befel ] 

Jame.<i. Yes, all alone ; intent 
For Stirling, on some business of my own. 

" Sir A. Of weight, perhaps 1 

" James. Ay, business of such weight 
" Tliat I could trust no band with 't but my own. 

" Sir A. A friend, perhaps, might aid you^ 

" James. Well — a friend ! 
" There is no saying what a friend might do. 
" But I make little doubt the quest I'm on 
" Will prosper as it is ! 

" Sir A. I have some power — 
" Some influence in the realm, and may give he f 
" If you require it. 

" Jcmies. Sir, you're passing kind, 
" And it may chance that I require your help 
" In what I aim at." 

Sir A. [Aside.] If I could gain him now 
To bear my message ! — And your home, yoa say 
Is Stirling 1 

James. Sometimes. 

Sir A. Or was't Edinburgh % 

James. Sometimes there, too. 

Sir A. A wanderer, I perceive : 
Have you crossed sea 1 

James. [Aside.] This fellow questions hard 
Oh, yes ; I've been a rover, wet and dry. 
And can trim sail, and hand, and reef, and steer, 
With e'er a skipper in Leith. ^ 

Sir A. A trader, Sir ] 

James. In most things — from sweet looks to a true 
friend, 
To a sword point held to an enemy's throat. 

Sir A. I like sweet looks best — Did you travel far 
In other lands ? For wines, perhaps, to the South 1 

James. Ay, Sir : I've seen the walls of Bordeaux town 
Rise 'mid rich vineyards on the shores of France. 



THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 27 

And the whole land lie like a perfumed bride 
On her green couch, with birds for choristers, 
And a blue sky, unknown to this cold clime, 
Hung over like a gorgeous canopy. 

Sir A. You speak like a brave stringer of rich tvords— . 
A poet, as I may say. 

James. I've tried it, Sir ; 
But poetry's a poor trade, and only fit 
For white hands and weak heads. 

Sir A. You'relibellous 
On our good king : he rhymes, you know. 

James. Oh, does he ? 
I hope, Sir, he rhymes well. 

Sir A. I'm not a critic, 
But I have heard some men of good repute 
For wit and judgment — 

James. Well, what said they ] — quick ! 

Sir A. Men that knew what the tricks of rhyming 

were 

James. Well, well — they praised the verses 1 
Sir A. They ] not they ! 

James. Why, what the devil — but — go on, go on ! 
Sir A. You're pleased to see a brother rhymester 
mock'd — 
Another proof you're of the poet's tribe. 

James. [Aside.] Why, what a twaddling, sensible old 
fool ! 
This is no traitor. [Aloud.\ Ah, Sir, Poesy 
Holds no communion with such thoughts as these. 
In her enchanted garden, 'mid the flowers, 
Grows no base thing ; but in the balmy air, 
Walking, as angels walked in Paradise, 
Hope, and her sister, white-robed Charity, 
Move onward, circled by the arms of Love ! \Cro9se» to R. 
The poet — but, grace Marie ! what an ass 
To tgdk of Paradise and jangling stuff! 
Forgive it, sir. 

Sir A. There's nothing to forgive. 
It's pretty, very pretty — not quite plain 
To dull old ears like mine, but pretty, pretty ! 
[Aside.] The very man I prayed for — all ia safe. — 
I think vour talents have been wasted, sir. 



28 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 



[A«i n 



"In voyaging to France, and back again ;" 
You should to court. 

James. To court 1 — [Aside.] We're coming on.- 
Sir, I've no patron. 

Sir A. Yes, my friend, you have. 
I have some power at Holyrood myself. 
James. Indeed *? 

Sir A. Why, yes : betvi^een ourselves, my friend, 
There are a dozen — ay, a score of the lords, 
Fast friends of mine. 
James. A score ! 
Sir A. Ay ; all of them. 
" Why, there's not one who would not hold him bounJ i 
" To do my bidding. You shall see their zeal 
" To serve you, when they know you come from me. 

" James. Not one — not one left out ! Now, by my life 
"I warn you say not so. 

•' Sir A. Why not, my friend 1 

" James. For, by the heaven ! — nay, nay, excuse me. sir 
" You raise my hopes too high. 
" Sir A. No whit, no whit : " 
Name any name you please — I'll answer for it ; 
His lordship, though he holds his head as high 
As a crowned king's, if 1 but say the word, 
Will fawn on you like a spaniel. 

James. Now, beware, 
I tell you these are dangerous boasts 

Sir A. But try it. 
I have a packet, even now prepared, 
For certain of their lordships, 

James. Which of them 1 
For, as my soul shall answer — there again ! 
I'm all in such a twitter of wild hopes ; 
All ! — did you say all? — oh, say not all! 
Sir A. Why not? 

James. Nothing — pray pardon me again. Not all — 
They can't be all at your proud beck- — not all ! 

Sir A. Oh, yes, they are, though, — all to do you service, 
If you will take that packet to the court. 
James. I ? take the packet ? — Sir, I asked it not. 
Sir A. You were C:!o bashful. T will bring it to you 
Ere you go hence. 



Stiwi: II.J THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 29 

James. I think I've heard the name 
Of the lord — but his name escapes me now — 
Seton — Lord Seton, is he in the list ? 
Is there a missive to Lord Seton % 

Sir A. Seton — 
O//0 ! you've heard of Seton — though he's so near 
The throne, Sir, let me tell you, ere long time 
There may be one to liirti ; — a little bird 
Has whistled in my ear. — Be not afraid, 
You shall hear more. 

James, \^Aside.^ And so shall you ! — But, James — 
Have you no packet for our lord the king ? 

Sir A. No. — He's a brother bard, and may be jealous- 
Let him not see you in the court. 

James. I'll do't. 
Give me the packet. 

Sir A. In an hour or two. 
Meanwhile, refresh you ; will you forth for air 1 
My kinsman, Malcolm, will attend on you — 
You'll find him on the lawn. 

James. I long to thank him 
For his good service. [Aside.] Oh, suspicious doubts 
Be hushed — be hushed ! — the truth will out ere long. 

[Exeunt l., James following. 

Scene II. — The Lawn at Laichmont. 
Enter Malcolm Young, witJi a hook, r. 

Mai. It tells me to forget the world ; — forget ! 
Why tell me not to cease to live and think ? 
To struggle with my heart ! Do I not struggle ? 
Have I not striven, and toiled, and wept, and prayed ; 
And all in vain ! — oh, to be doomed to live 
For self, apart from life's soft charities — 
No hope — :no object ! [Reads.] 

Enter heJiind, James and Madeleine, r. 

'* Made. I have a mind to try 
'* To make him gay. Shall I put both my hands 
" Before his eyes, and cry. Who blinds — ^who ))linds I 

" James. He cannot miss the voice ! 

" Mad<!. Oh, he's so dull, 



30 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. [A.T II 

*' You shall not get a smile into liis face, 

•■' Nor smoothe his brow by all that you can do, 

" James. Nay, I need hardly try, if you have failed. 
' But I can scarce believe there breathes the man, 
' The stock, the stone, that would not feel the power 
' Of words like yours. Why, the dull night as well 

• Might try to keep its gloom on, when the day 

' L»jghs from the east. He must be cold as ice, 

• Harder than steel, that melts not at such looks: 
" Try him again." 

Made. " Oh, no ! I scarce can venture :" 
^le looks with such sad melancholy eyes, 
t almost grow as sorrowful as himself. [SigJis^ 

James. Do you 1 — I'll see what efforts I can make 
To chase his sadness. 

Made. Do, and I'll be by 
To aid you. Oh ! I wish you had known him, Sir, 
Before he thought of turning priest 

James. A priest !— 
He's a good soldier spoilt. I'll speak to him. 

Made. And I'll wait here. 

James. Good morrow, master Young ; 
You look as if the thumps you gave the sculla 
Of Buckie's band, lay heavy on your conscience^ 

Mai. No, Sir. I'm glad to see you in such case. 

James. I'm sorry to see you. Sir, in such case : 
You have no dint upon your head, 1 trust \ 

Mai. No. 

James. Then your trusty staff played sentinel 
To a good tune, and heartily 1 thank you. 

Mai. No thanks. 

James. Yes, many thanks ; thanks warm and true. 
I must pledge faith with you. 

Mai. Oh, pardon. Sir, 
Twas nothing. 

James. And you won't shake hands with me 1 

Mai. Oh, willingly ! . 

James. Well, now we're plighted friends, 
I cannot bear to see you moping thus. 

Mai. Oh, Sir, it — I am very — — 

James. Tush, man, tush ! — 



Scene 1 1. J T"''- ^'^'^<i (-''F THE COMMONS. 31 

You're wretched — very wretched ; what's the matter f 
Is not your kinsman kind? 

Mai. Yes ; be is kind. 

James. Have you no powerful friend to plead your 
cause, 
And raise you in the Church 1 

Mai. I would not rise ; 
" I tell you, sir, I have no wish to rise ; 
" Enough that I am in the church without 
" Being raised ; I would not have a powerful friend 
" To plead my cause." 

James. Oh ! 

Mai. If Sir Adam Weir 
Had deigned to ask my thoughts, — -but no — no — no — 
He used the power, wrung from my poverty — 
My orphan youth, — but I am wrong — imost wrong — 
I ])ray you ask no more, Sir, of my doings ; 
If I have served you, let your gratitude — 
Though such I claim not, — let it show itself 
In silence. I would have my grief remain 
In my own breast. 

James. Ah ! but that were unkind 
To friends like me ; for, trust me, though so short 
The date of our acquaintance, it has grown 
At once to friendship. 

Mai. But I know you not — 
I never saw you till an hour ago. 

James. Oh ! — so suspicious ] Look on me, my fr'end— 
" See you a lurking devil in my eyes V 
I tell you I would serve you if [ could, 
" And sympathy is all that I can offer. 
" Reject it not. I'm but a simple yeoman ; 
" But 1 would know your grief, if happily 
" I might relieve it. If it come to the worst, 
" I can but share it." Come, come ! hide no more 
The sorrow that consumes you. Bring the snake 
Forth from the hole where it but gathers venom ! — 
Out on the sunny grass with the vile thing ! 
We'll stamp it into powder with our heels. 

Mai. Why — I — I have ho sorrow to reveal. 

James. You have. But if you trust not to ray words. 
And scorn my friendship 



32 THE KIiVG OF THE COMMONS. JACT II 

Mftl. oil, €>roive fne, Sir ; 
My beart was full. I doiKit sconi your friendship, 
" (tO(1 knows the name of friendship is too sweet 
" 'Vo he ihvown by. Oh, Sir, your pardon !" Here 
Js my ti'ne hand. 1 thnnk you from my heart. 

James. Now, then, 'tis as 1 thought. You'll not repent 
Vonr triisrino- me. 

.Mai. ThcM-e's something in your eye 
Moves confidence. 1 love the very sound 
Of your bold voice. You have no gloomy thoughts — 
All's sunshine round, above, before you. 

James. Ah ! 
You knf)w not — but — enough ! Poor Malcolm Young ! 
Tell me what weighs so heavy on your heart. 

Mddc. l/;r//hnJ.\ Now I shall hear what makes poor 
Mnlroim sad-. 

Ma/. Sii-, 'tis but three weeks since that I came home — 
Home ! no, I dare not call it home, — came here ; — 
After long tarrying at St. Andrew's schools, 
By order of my kinsruan, " at the last 
" A month since, — 'tis one little month ago.'* 

James. Go on, go on ! 

Made, \asfde.] Now comes the hidden grief. 

3Ial. He forced me, by deceitful messages, 
To vow me to the priesthood, when my soul 
Longed nuore for neighing steeds than psalteri-es. 
Oh, what a happy fortune had been mine 
To draw the sword 'neath gallant James's eye, 
And rouge it to the hilt in English blood ! 

James, Heaven bless you, boy \ — your hand aga:in--you» 
hand ! — 
Would you have served the king ? 

Mai. Ay! died for him! 

James. And he'd have cherished you, believe me, boy, 
'• And held you in his heart, and trusted you — 
" And you'd ha' been true brothers ; — for a love 
" Like yours is what poor James has need of moHt." 
Is this your grief? 

MaJ. Alas, my grief lies deeper! 
" 1 might have bent me to my cruel fate, 
" With pray'rs that our brave king find Scots as true 
" And \\uillaer of his praise, thaT Malcolm Young." 



SCESB ir.j THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 33 

When I came back, I Lad not been a day 

'Mid well-known scenes, in the remembered rooms, 

Till to my heart, my soul, the dreadful truth 

Was opened like a gulf ; and I — fool ! fool ! 

To be so dull, so blind — I knew too late 

That -I was wretched — miserable — doomed, 

Like Tantalus, to more than hellish pains — 

To feel — yet not to dare to speak, or think ; 

To love — and be a priest ! 

Made, [aside.] To love ! to love! — 
IIow strange this is ! 

James. How found you this, poor friend % 

Mai. By throbbings at the heart, when I but heard 
Her whispered name ; thoughts buried long ago 
'Neath childish memories — we were children both- 
Rose up like armed phantoms from their grave. 
Waving me from them with their mailed hands ! 
" I saw her, with the light of womanhood 
" Spread o'er the childish charms I loved so well^ 
" I heard her voice, sweet with the trustful tones 
" She spoke with long ago, yet richer grown 
" With the full burden of her ripened thoughts." 

Made, [aside.] My head goes round — my heart will burst I 

Mai. I saw 
A world lie open — and an envious spell 
Fencing it from me ; day by day, I felt 
Grief and the blackness of unsunn'd despair 
Closing all round me. 

James. And the maiden's name ] 

Mai, Was Madeleine Weir. 

[Madeleine recoils, and leans for support on the side 
scene, l. 

Garnet, [goes to Madeleine.] You're faint ; you're deadly 
pale ! 

Made. 'Tis nothing, — 'twas a pain — a sudden pang 
Shot through my head — but, I am better now. 

Mai. She was not listening ! 

Made. No ; I heard nothing — nothing ; 
'Twill soon be gone. I pray you, leave me now — 
I'm strong — I'm strong ! [She tries to walk, but sinks.] 
Help, Malcolm !— I am dying ! 



M" TffE KING OF THE COMMONS. [Aei II. 

James. \L-atching her ere she Jails.] Run, run foi aid ! and 
come not back again ; 
Terhajis she heard you. I will guard her here. 

MaL Help, help ! for Madeleine — " helj), Widow 
Barton !" [Exit Malcolm, R. 

Ja?fies. Wake, Madeleine — he's gone. 

Made. Who ] Malcolm gone 1 

James. Look not so wildly ! 

Made. What was't I said ! 
Did he hear aught, " or see me — how I fell 1" 

Ja?nes. No, no ; he heard you not — come, cheer you, lady. 
What can 1 say to cheer her ? Droop not so. 
There shall come happier days. 

Made. Oh ! never, never ! 

James. Ay, but there shall, tho' ! " Gather up your heart, 
" And brace you for a struggle with your grief. 
" What ! hopelessness sit on a brow like this ; 
" And sorrow blight the roses on these lips 1" 
I tell you.'do not sigh, poor Madeleine ; 
I tell you — nay, I lay command on you, . 
Start not that I command — I tell you, hope! 
By heaven ! I'd trample on all laws in the world 
That bring such sorrow. 

Made. Oh, Sir, by your voice 
I guess how kind you are ! 

James. Ay, kind and true — 
And you shall never know me aught than kind. 
So, cheer you, Madeleine ! 

" Made. Oh, Sir, I'm weak ! 
" A moment with myself would strengthen me,— 
" I think I'm better now. 

" Jamcs^ Come, lean on me ! 

Made. No, no ; I'd be alone ! 

James. Then droop not, girl ; 
'Tis a black night that lets no starlight through ; 
And so I leave you. \Aside^ Ah, I see it all ! 
A hapless pair that knew not their own hearts, 
And pay the forfeit of their ignoranca 
In tears, [Exrt, U 

Made. For me ! — for me ! — and I the while. 
So giddy — cruel — ne'er to see his love 
Was other than in days of our glad youth ! 



SciWB II.] THE KING OF THE -OMMONS. 36 

And blinder, colder, ne'er to feel that here, 

III n:y deep, inmost heart, there was enshrined 

His image ! — oh, and it '<« sinful now ! 

He dare not love ! I daie not love him more ! 

" And all the happiness I felt to see him, 

" To speak to him, to wander by his side, 

•' I thought was but our friendship, as of old, 

" Long years since. And 'tis all for me he mourns !— 

" Hopeless ! — oh, wherefore have I heard his secret, 

" And wherefore have I found my own V 

E?iter SrR Adam "Weir, r. 

Sir A. My child, 
I told you that my worthy friend. Laird Small, 
Had honoured me by making choice of you 
To wed his son. I've given him my consent; 
And in a little time, the gallant youth 
Will pay his court; no blushes — no denials — 
You marry him. I've said it. That's enough ! 
'* You'll be prepared to smile upon his suit." 

Made. I, sir ! 1 

Sir A. Let me see no foolish qualms ; 
" He is a gay and courtly gentleman, 
" And rich as any noble in the land." 

Made. Sir! 

Sh- A. Not a word ; make ready to receive him, 
He will be here anon. 

Made. I'm weak — I'm ill — 
T cannot see him. 

Sir A. Cannot see my friend % 
The man I've chosen ? let me hear no more 
Of idle feints. If you're unkind to him. 
Or pout, or knit your brows, or play the fool, 
You shall repent it ! — Get you to your room. 
And do as I tell you. \Exit Madeleine, L( 

{ have never loved 

A thing on earth as I have loved that girl, 
'' Since my two sons and her Door mother died." 
But I will not be mocked. 

Enter Laird anJ Mcngo, r. 

Laird, Gad so ! Sir Adam, 



36; THE KING OF THE JOM.MONS. [Act 11 

We are in luck; here is my son ariivec]. 
This is Sir Adam, son ; — this is my son, sir. 

Mun. Give ye my finger. Any news afloat 1 
The French ain't landed, ai-e they 1 What a doublet 
You've got, Sir Adam ! This is Genoa pile. 

Sir A. I'm glad to bid you welcome to my house. 

Mu?i. 'Tis pretty well ; but not quite Holyrood. 
That window's not in keeping with the door; 
The pediment — the peristyle — the plinth — 
The wliole fa^ade's a little incongruous, eh 1 

Laird. Gadso ! he speaks like a huge book of j^lans ! 
I knew a man 

Mun. Hush, father ! never mind 
What man you knew. . Is the report cori'ect 
Tlie English have a force upon the border 1 

Sir ^. I know not. 

Laiid. Oh, but lie knows everything. 
Pray Gad you knew one half as much as he ! 
Where he can hold his knowledge is a puzzle; 
Tlis head should be as big as Binny Craig. 

Mun. 'Twould make my hat cost something. How il've 
like 
My bonnet] 'tis the newest cut from Paris, 

Sir A. 'Tis a good bonnet. 

Mun. Do you like the feather 1 
I chose the feather : 'tis a knowing feather j 
A sort of bold, audacious, fighting feather ; 
'Tis a cock's feather; do you like the feather ] 

Laird. Gadso ! he has more taste than twenty batters. 
i like to hear him talk about his clothes, 
it smacks so of the court. 

Mun. Heard you the news ? 

Sir A. No ! I've not heard. 

Laird. Gadso ! he's such a youth ! 
A politic youth. He'll be a — what d'ye call it, 
That sits at council, and does naught all day 1 — 
A minister of state ! — he will, I'm sure. 

Mun. There must be something very curious 
In Germany at present. It portends 
No good. The ambassador has dressed his suite 
In green. Can there be any reason for it 1 
In green ! A suite in green ! I think 'tis odd ! 




Scene n.] THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 37 

Laird. Gadso ! perhaps it is. Perhaps 'tis odd i 
I had a green coat once ; 'lis long ago 

Mun. [Stops Ms mouth.] Excuse my father, Sir ; he waa 
ne'er at court, 
And can know nothing about politics. 

Sir A. 'Tis a deep study. 

Blun. You may say so, truly ; 
Jemmy comes often ; ay, sometimes at night, 
To ask my counsel 

Sir A. Jemmy ! who is he ? 

Mun. Jemmy ! why. Jemmy Stuart ! We're such 
friends. 
We never stand on one another's titles ; 
lemmy and Mungo ! nothing more or less ; 
He never called me mister in his life. 

Sir A. Hem ! — Will you walk into my house. Laird 
Small ] 
And you, Sir ] There is wine set in the parlor ; 
Yon must refresh you. 

Widow. [Behind the scenes.] Where is she ? Where's 
the girl 1 
Where's Madeleine 1 

Enter Widow Barton, r. , in a hurry, with a glass on a sal' 
vcr, in search of Madeleine. 

Widoiv. I've got it ready now ; 
Tak3 but the glass ; don't wait a single minute ! 
Off with it ! 

[Laird Small tnhes the glass, a'lddrinka.] 

Laird. Gadso ! I'm a murdered man ! 

Ty, what the devil ! 

Widow. Why, you've drunk it. Sir ! 
1 wished you to run with it to my cousin, 
Poor Madeleine ! She is fainting ! 

Laird. I'm a corpse ! 
1 feel I'm dead. Gadso ! my liver boils ! 
My reins ! — my kidneys ! — What the devil was it ? 

Widow. 'Twas a confusion of hot volatiles 
And liquid hartshorn. 'Twas for smelling. Sir. 

Laird. Gadso ! — oh. Lard ! I feel I'm in my grave f 
I would have rather suck'd a burning coal 
Like sugar candy. 'Twas a melted colic ! 



38 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. [Act lir 

I've swEillowed it ! Gadso ! there was a man 

Ate fire ! and — ugh ! — ugh ! — I have done the same ! — 

Mun. Why, father; what a fuss you make about it ! 

Sii- A. The wine is in the hall. 

Mun. [To Wid. Barton.] Let me conduct you, madam 1 

Laird. He's a youth ! [Exeunt, L, 

END OF ACT 11. 



ACT III. 

Scene I. — The front of Laichmont House. 
Enter James, r. and Buckie, l. , meeting. 

James. What make you here, friend \ 

Buc. Does your Majesty — 

James. Hush ! We're no majesty away from court. 

Buc. Pardon me. Is Sir Adam as I said ? 

James. I'll tell you what I think of him ere long, — 
Not now — not now. But wherefore came you here ? 

Buc. To plead for pardon that I came too late 
To guard you from the lawless violence— 

James. Of Buckie — -ere another week be sped 
His head shall ornament the Tolbooth bars. 
I thank you, friend ; another came to aid, 
One Master Young. 

Buc. A kinsman of this house — 
A priest, as I've been told. Poor Malcolm Young ! 
He suffers like the rest. 

James. The rest of whom ] 

Buc. Of all Sir Adam claims as kith or kin. 
I knew another kinsman — a poor youth, 
Whose father dying, left him to the care 
Of his rich brother; store of lands and gold 
Went with the orphan to Sir Adam's ward. 
The orphan lives ; the lands and gold are gone. 
To add another hillock to the mountain 
The usurer has heaped up. 

James. The orphan lives ? 
How gained Sir Adam all the orphan's wealth ? 



SCEHEl.] THE KING OF THE COMMOXS. 39 

Buc. By a false will — by an extorted gift ; 
By threats, by stratagem, by forced conse.nt. 
I know him well. 

James. Where lives the orphan youth 1 

Buc. Nowhere ; he has no house save the Imge home 
Roofed by o'erarching Goodness, for the poor : 
He sleeps upon the moor — beside the hedge, 
Under the wall ; an outcast, broken man. 

James. How can all this be proved ] 

Buc. Why, face to face — 
The accuser and the accused ; but in this realm 
Wealth has such power, it adds another fold 
To the thick bandage over Justice' eyes, 
Blunts her sword point, and makes unfixed her scale. 

James. It shall not, as I live ! " Her eyes shall be 
" Free from the thinnest veil of gossamer — 
" Her sword shall be as trenchant as my own — 
" Her scales as equal between rich and poor 
" As light or cold. " But I will hold you bound 
To give consistence to these dark appeals, 
That rise like clouds between Sir Adam's fame 
And his King's favor. Sir, you saved my life; 
But if you wrong my subject, by the heaven 
'Neath which we live, the saints that from their thrones 
Send help to the bared arm of righteous kings ! 
I swear your head shall be the forfeiture 
Of failure in your proof! [Grosses toi..\ 

Buc. Agreed — agreed ! 
You'll see him as he is. 

" James. Your words are strong, 
" As if they sprang from truth. I came to prove 
" Sir Adam Weir ; through him to reach the hearts 
" Of higher men. The saddest heart alive 
" Would be as careless as a lark's in June 
" Compared to mine, if what my fear portends 
•' Proves true. Sir Adam Weir has wealth in store — 
" Is crafty, politic, and is of weight — 
" The words are his — with certain of our lords. 

" Buc. I told you so." I know he has deep dealings 
With ^ 

James. Name them not; from their own lips I'll hear 
Their guilt ; no other tongue shar blot the fame 



i- 



40 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. [Act Til 

Of James's nobles. If it should be so; 

If the two men I've trusted from my youth — 

If Hume — if Seton — let the rest go hang ! 

But Seton, my old playmate — if he's false, 

Tlien break, weak heart ; farewell my life and crowu !— 

I pray you, meet me here within an hour : 

Tliis very night I shall have need of you. 

And as you speak as one brave man should speak 

To another man, albeit he is a king, 

I will put trust in you ; and, ere the morn, 

You shall impeach Sir Adam in our court, 

And woe betide the guilty ! [C7-osses, r.] Say no more; 

1 meet you here again. 

Buc, If I appear 
At Holyrood, I trust your royal word. 
No ill shall hap me. I am free to come, 
To go ? 

James, Not so, by heaven ! If you should fail, 
You die. 

Buck. I know it ; but your royal safeguard 
Bars me from other dangers 1 

James. You've my word — 
You have my hand ; the honour of a king, 
The promise of a man. Come boldly on. 
Though you were stained with murder double dark, 
You shall have free departure from our court. 

Buc. But if I prosper in my proof, I claim 
Reward. 

Jafnes. It shall be yours. 

Buc. Oblivion 
Of all [ may have done ; and, better far, 
Permission to draw sword at James's call. 
And die, if there be need, at James's side, 

James. Go, go ! I pray you may succeed, good fellow ! 
Poor James can ill afford so stout an arm. 
Go, now ; I'll call you when I've seen Sir Adam. 

[Exit Buckie, i.. 
Thus ever from the true heart of the Commons, 
Wells up pure love and loyal faithfulness. 
While in the bosom of our lords, such stream 
Is choked, or turbid, or runs quickly dry; 



Scene I.] THE K,NG OF THE COMMONS 4 

Enter Siii Adam Weir, n., tcith a packet. 

Sir A. Good master — but I have not asked your nani6 

James. Albyn — James Albyn. 

Sir A. [Gives him the packet.] Here is asealed-up par 
ker, 
Go with it, as you promised, to the court. 
'J'lie King will be in Holyrood three days, 
Assembhng forces on the Boroughmuir. 
The nobles will be all in Edinburgh ; 
Open this roll, and, as occasion serves, 
Deliver to each peer whose name is in it, 
The note enclosed — 'twill gain you noble friends — 
And bring me answer. ' 

James. Good Sir Adam Weir, 
I trust there is no treason in this charge 1 

Sir A. Treason ! What's treason 1 If some polit.ic 
lords 
Find a repugnance in their Christian hearts 
Against the war, and long for blessed peace 

James. Who made them judges or of peace or warl 
The country has been trod 'nealh English heels. 

Sir A. So says the fiery King ; but wiser men 
Would rather see the heel upon the soil 
That leaves a mark of gold where it is placed, 
Than lisk their lives and fortunes at the beck 
Of choleric James, and angry France and Rome. 

James. Now, by the saints ! — but no ; I will not speak 

Sir A. Why, friend, what matters it to you and me 1 
You shall have rich reward ; and for myself. 
My payment will be found in a pure heart 
And conscience clear. 

James. [Aside.] In an axe-blade, perhaps, 
Dr a sword's edge, or — faugh ! — a yard of rope. 
\ take the packet. 

6'//- A. Do ; and fare-you-well. [Exit, R. 

Jaines. Shall I break ope the seals, and see at onco 
Who are the enemies I've nursed and fed ? 
rhey find repugnance in their Christian hearts 
To war ! — they find a longing in their hearts 
For English gold. But if the few I love — 
The two brave hearts that I have trusted ever — 



49 THli- KING OF THE COMMONS. 



[Act lit. 



t 



Are true lo me, as I have been to them, 
Then ]et the traitors range themselves at once 
On Henry's side, and join the Douglases, 
The curses ever of our kingdom's strength ; 
I'll meet them in the field ! But first, I'll fling 
Scorn and dishonour on their recreant heads ; — 
This roll shall be brought forward in full court, 
And the same bold accuser that lays bare 
The crimes of this wise trickster, shall appal 
The false, base lords. — Their hearts ! their Chiistian 
hearts ! [Laughing scornfully. 

'^ Enter Buckie, r. 

Bug. I've watched his going. 

James. [Gives him the packet.^ Take the packet, sir? 
At vesper chime to-night we hold our court; 
Come to us then ; present this in our presence 
Boldly ; heed not the frowning of our lords. 
By Heaven — if 'twere our brother or our son 
That owned the dealing, he should taste the axe ! 
At the first chiming of the vesper bell, 
T wait you. Answer not, but meet me then. 

[Exeunt, James, l., Buckie, R. 

Scene II. — A Room, in Laichmont House. 

Entei- SiK Adam Weir and Madeleine, n.—Durmg this 

Scene, Sir Adam struggles to repress his rage. 

Si? A. And was I harsh to my poor Madeleine 1 
It is my love that makes me harsh to you. 
" You know I love you — that I've ever loved you ; 
'* And trust me, 'tis because I love you still," 
I would constrain you to your happiness. 

Made. There is no happiness on earth for me. 

Sir A. Come, speak not so ! I'm three-score years and 
five ; 
' My hair is white, my eyes are growing dim ;" 
My strength is wasted in the toils I've past 
To make you happy. You're the richest heireM 
In all the country. After all I've done, 
You will not see me wretched ? 

Made If my death 



Scene 11. J THK KING OF THE COMMONS. 43 

Could make j'ou ha]>p)', I wfjtild give my life, 
And bless you as 1 die. 

Sir A. Tusli ! not your iif'e, 
It is your liaiid I vvanL. I wish to see you 
The Lady of the Land ; " to see you placed 
" On such a pinnacle of wealth and greatness, 
" That you may look with pity on the pride 
" Of i,tarveling earls. Why, girl, you shall be girl 
" With t)ne rich belt of glittering diamonds, 
" That might pay armies in an emperor's quarrel. 
" You shall have gold and jewels ; and the looms 
•* Of Genoa shall groan beneath the weight 
" Of richest robes to deck your loveliness." 

Made. The painted sepulchre of a breaking heart 

Sir A. Heart ? breaking heart 1 — who spoke of I reak« 
ing hearts ' 

il/a^e.'ldid. 

Sir A. Be silent! — but, dear Madeleine, 
You would not see my white hairs in the dust 
Before you, to entreat you to be kind. 
'Tis I, your grandsire — your poor, kind, old grandsire. 
You'll yield % you'll marry as I ask you ? 

Made. Marry 1 
I marry 1 — oh, si i', have some touch of pity ; 
My head is weak ; I feel not as I used — 
There is a weight about my heart. Oh, spare me ! 
Speak not of marrying. 

Sir A. Girl ! — but — no, dear child. 
What change has come upon your joyous mood ? 
'Twas only yesterday I watched your step, 
The gayest step that ever fell, like light 
Upon the bended grass ; your voice was sweet 
With the heart's laughter. Wherefore are you changed 1 

ilfa<ie. Something — no, nothing; I was foolish then— 
I had no thought. Oh, sir, I'd wish to live 
In old St. Ninian's, 'mid the holy nuns. 
In some calm cell, afar from busy sounds. 
With but my book and beads — to live and weep ; 
" To gaze from the lone casement to the sky, 
" Where angels live and are at rest for ever ; 
" And pray to be like them." Sir, let me go ! 

Sir A. " What madness has j-ossessed you 1 Hear rve, 
gill: 



"44 THE KING OF THK COMMONS. f Act ill 

*' There's something in this change — 1 know not what; 
" But it boots nf)thing. wliatsoe'er it be." 
You shall not to St. Ninian's ; it v/as not 
To heap up wealth for a complaining nun 
I ran such ventures; risk'd my life so often — 
My soul, my very soul ! I would be kind, 
I try to speak with kindness ! [After an effort.] I ain kind—* 
•I'm in no passion; I am calm, you see. 
VV'ell, then, if you obey not, you shall starve ; 
" Though you come begging for a crust of bread, 
" Shivering across the moor, and hold your hand, 
*' Your withered, shaking hand, and ope your lips, 
" White with despair, and want, and poverty, 
*' To entreat one crust — one crust to save your lifo 
" You sliall not have it ; you shall starve, and die. 
" And now you understand me, what I am :" 
Take your own choice ! But, see how calm I am. 
I'll send a friend to counsel you ; he'll tell you 
The sin of disobedience : Malcolm Young 

Made. Not him — not Malcolm Young! 

Sir A. Why not, I pray you X 
'• He's a good youth, and yielded to my wish, 
" And therefore you despise him." Malcolm Young 
Shall give you counsel ; and if he too fail, 
The failure shall be visited on him; 
Mark me — on him; if you refuse consent 
He shall be houseless, friendless as yourself. 
Now, then, the fate of both is in your hands. 
" I'm calm — I'm very calm ; and Malcolm Y'oung 
" Shall be a beggar if you baulk my vjrish. \Exit U< 

Made. [l. c] " I'll hie me to the monastery door, 
" And ask the meek-eyed nuns to take me in ; 
" And it shall be my grave ; and the thick walls 
" Shall keep me from the world ; and in my heart 
•' I'll cherish him, and think on all his looks, 
" Since we were children — all his gentle tones ; 
" And when my weary breast shall heave no more, 
" I'll lay me down and die, and name his name 
" With my last breath." I would we both were dead, 
For we should then be happy ; but on earth 
No happiness for me — no hope, no hope ! 



ScEHE II.J THK KING OF THE COMMONS. 45 

Enter Widow Bartom, Laikd Small, and Mungo, k. 

Widow. Cousin, the gentlemen are coine to see you; 
They've drunk your health ; you should be much obliged 
To Mister Small. This is the lady, sir, 
^our young intended. 

Mun. Very well, indeed ; 
True Brussels lace, and — ain't it Venice silk 1 

[Touches Madeleine's gown. \ 
[ think 'tis Venice silk. [ have a doublet 
Of the sams piece. How goes it, pretty maid ? 

Laird: Gadso ! he's quite a polish'd courtier. 
I wish you joy — you're a most lucky woman. 

Man. She courteoys with an air ; though, for my part, 
I like the Spanish swale, as thus, [courtesys] low. low; 
Not the French dip, as thus, [courtesys] dip, dip ; 
Which think you best 1 

Made. Sir ! did you speak to me ? 

Mun. Did 1 1 'pon honour — yes, I think I d'd : 
" Some like the Austrian bend, [courtesys] d'ye like it so 1 
" Our girls, the Harailtons, have got it pat; 
"No sooner do I say, 'Sweet Lady Jane,' 
" And draw my feather so, and place my hand 
" Here on my heart, ' Fair Lady Jane, how are ye V 
"But dip she goes, and bend [courtesys] ; but if an ass, 
" Some fribble she don't like, comes near her, lo ! 
" A swale ! [courtesys] 'tis very like this gentlewomar 
" I hope there's no one near you, you don't like ] 
" For if there is, 'fore Gad ! an 'twere my father, 
" I'd cut him into slices like cold ham, 
" As thin as that." 

Laird. " Gadso ! pray Gad it ain't ; 
'' I hope it ain't his father — he would do it ! * 
He's such a youth ! 

Widow. He's a most gallant man ; 
I like to hear about great people's doings. 

Mun. Do you ] — a decent woman, for the country ; 
Then I will tell you anything you like. 

Widow. Tell Madeleine about a tournament. 

Laird. Pray do ! Gadso, I love to hear your tales. 
' Pray Gad I could be young again ! 

" Mun. Hush, do : 



46 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. [Av;t 111 

" You keep the ladies waiting. Well, fair dames, 
" The trick is this : James sends to Hume and me. 
" And Setori, and some other cavaliers, 
" That he will keep the ring against all comers, 
" And Cassilis, Maxwell, Eglinton, and others — 
" A famous tilter is Lord Eglinton, 
" And noble heart as beats on Scottish ground — 
They send that they will come ! 

" Laird. Gadso ! — gadso !" 
I knew a Spanish man — I think his name 
Was Don — but what comes after Don — go on 

Mun. \To Made] But you don't like to hear of broken 
bones ! 

Widow. She does, indeed ! and I delight in it ; 
I've got a dozen cures for broken bones. 

Mun. Well, then, the day arrives ; we take our places 
" James in the centre, Sinclair and myself, 
" Full arm'd, with spear in rest, and visors down, 
" On his right hand ; Hume and Lord Seton ride- 
*' Upon his left. All round us sits the court : 
" The ladies' cheeks all flush'd, or pale by turns, 
" As we take one stout gallop round the ring. " 
The trumpet sounds four notes — ta ! ra ! ta ! ra ! — 
" And sudden at the further end appear - 
" Five knights in armor. With their lances' points 
" They touch our shields — I should have said our shieldis 
" Hang at the gate — Ha, ha, boys! — is it so ?" 
Spur goes the steed!' — my shield is ringing yet 
From Maxwell's touch : I brace it on my arm. 
The trumpet sounds agaiji — ta ! ra! ta ! ra ! — 
We stoop our heads — we bend us to the mane, — 
My spear goes into splinters on his mail. 
And, ha ! — what's that 1— poor Maxwell reels awhile 
Then plump upon the earth — I've done for him. 

Laird. Gadso ! I'm in a sweat — a parlous arm — 
You would not think it, ma'am, to look at him ! 

Widow. Oh ! he's a valiant knight. And rides the kitig 
Like other men ? 

Mun. He ought to ride as well — 
He's been well taught ! I broke his chesnut horse. 
That was too hard to manage : he rides well — 
" Yss, pretty well ! I don't like his rein hand, 



SceheII.] THK king 01'- THE CCMMONS. 47 

" He holds it far too low ; but he rides well. 

"[To Madeleine.] You're not alarmed at what I'ir. speak 

ing of 1 
" Tis all in sport ; if 'twere in earnest, ma'am, 
" I'd split Lord Maxwell as he were a herring, 
" Were he the biggest knight in Christendom." 
Widow. And do the ladies scream 1 

Mun. Sometimes they do. 
Once ! 'twas at Sterling — James was in the ring. 
And ran with— but I will not mention names — 
The man he ran with, was — but never mind : 
James camefull speed — I never saw a horse 
Spring better ; every breath was hushed with fear: 
The other man, he rode a Spanish barb, 
Light, fiery, active ; and when James cams on 
With lifted sword, I spurred on the right side, 
Jinked so ; and — as he passed, with a back hand, 
Clipt his white plume — there was a scream heard then ! 
Widow. Was't you ? were you the man % 

Mun. Ha ! said I so ? 
Then it was I ! 

Laird. Gadso ! he's such a boy ! 
I can't make out where he has learned such arts ; 
For ei'e he went to court, two months ago, 
He could not stick upon a pony's back. 
And would have sooner died than draw a sword ! 

Widoiv. People get wondrous knowledge in a court. 

Laird. Gadso! you're right. \To Maddeine.] I think yon 
never saw 
A better, or more gallant cavalier, 
Than my son, Mungo ! 

Made. Sir! 

Laird. Gadso ! you look 
As if you scarcely heard what we've been saying. 

Made, What is it you would say ? I pray you, sir. 
To tell me what you want ] I would .begone. 

Laird. Speak to her, Mungo ; Gadso ! he's a tongue 
Makes way with women. 

Mun. Don't look at us, then ; 
They're very bashful, these poor country girls. 

Laird. [To Widoic] Gadso! — oray, ma'am, walk aside 
with me : 



48 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. f Acr III. 

lie's such a bny ! pray Gad you've such a bov ! 

WidotiK I, Sirl 

Laird. If you should wed — come this way, ma'am. 

[Exeunt Laird, and Widow, L. 

Mun. They're gone ! we're quite alone ! you may speak 
out — 
J s<;e you've been impatient to get rid 
Of the old twaddles. Don't be timid, now ; 
There ! — don't be shy — you never saw in your life, 
A man of the court bef(jre ! 

Made. Oh, leave me, Sir ! 
" If you were man — but you are not a man — 
" Or gentleman — or even the thing you seem, 
*' A courtier, you would leave me. Leave me, sir !* 

Mun. What ! when so many robbers are abroad ? 
What if that villain, Buckie of Drumshorlan, 
Forced his way in, and I not here to guard you ? 

Made. I care not though he came. 

Mun. Oh, don't you, though ] 
No wonder. You need care for nothing now, 
When I am here. They say the rascal wears 
A great wolf's head, and looks with dreadful eyes 
Under its gaping jaws ! What step was that ? 

Enter Servant, l. 

Serv. Sir, there ai*e strangers seen about the grounds- 
We think they're Buckie's band. Pursue them, sir ! 

Mun. Pursue them '? — hark, friend ; have you e'er a gar. 
ret 
[n this old house ? 

Serv. Yes, sir. 

Mun. I've such a sight ! 
[ see a hare in her seat ! I'U watch the rogues, 
This way ; are these the stairs "? the general 
Stands always on a hill. 

Serv. I cannot wait. [Exit, R. 

Mun. Hem ! well — she never looks at mo — here goes i 

[Rims o^ L. 

Enter Malcolm Young, r, 

Mai. Your grandsire bids me see you, Madeleine ; 
Made. Malcolm ! 



ScnifE II.] THE KING OF THE COMMONb 49 

Mai. I never wished to see you more. 
If we had parted — when we parted last — 
In kindness, 1 would never more have sought 
Your presence ; never heard your voice again. 
But when you asked my hand, I — I — believe me, 
'Tv/as from no change, no want of true affection — 
'Twas from — 'twas — will you take my hand now, i lad* 
leine '( 

Made. Are you about to leave us ? 
~Mal. Yes, I go 
Where I shall see you never — never more : 
I go to hide my sorrows. 

Made. Malcolm! 

Mai. Pray you, 
Let me but say farewell — but do not speak — 
Once I could dwell on every word you saiJ, 
And treasure it like a sweet cherished tune. 
To be conned over in my solitude ; 
But now, I would not hear your voice, nor see 
Your smile 

Made. You will not see me smile again ! 

Mai. I cannot bear to look upon your face. 
Where I have fed my eyes, dear Madeleine ; 
Do you remember two long years ago, 
When I was leaving Laichmont, how we walked 
To the Green Den, and how you stooped and gatbersd 
Beside the burn, a sprig of blooming heath ? 

Made. Yes ! 

Mai. Here it is ! I've had it near my heart 
Since then ; and both are withered. Madeleine, 
I asked you not to speak, but I am changeful ; 
I'd hear your voice again, for the last time ! 
Say but a word ! 

Made. Oh, Malcolm! 

Mai. " Shall I say 
" How constantly my thoughts shall rest on you ? 
" Ah, Madeleine ! when we used — long, long ago— 
" To look up to the mocji, as we do now, 
" It was with happier eyes. I little knew 
" What memories of grief I gathered then, 
' To feed on in my heart for evermore ;" 
And now ! — God's blessing be around you ever! 



50 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. [Act TV, 

The blessing of a heart that — fare-you-well ! [Crosses, L. 

Made. Malcolm ! you leave me, it is come at last ; 
See ! I can bear our parting : thus is broke 
The chain that linked us from our infancy. 
And here — it is the last time we shall meet 
On this cold earth — though we shall meet again 
There, where the stars are shining calm and cleai ! — 
And we are dead to one another, Malcolm ! 
Take with you to your solitude, the thought 
That I— oh, pardon, Heav'n ! if it is sin — 
Have never loved but you — love only you ! 

Mai. What ! heard I right ? You loved me 1 love me 1 
Heavens ! 
This is too much to bear. My fondest hopes 
Reached not so high. I was an orphan, poor, 
Unfriended ; I but dared to think of you 
As of some higher nature, till the veil 
Fell from my heart, and — when the vow was spoken, 
And I was — what I am — I knew I loved ! 
" Oh, but to dare to love ! — though without hope !— 
" To dare to love, and feel it is no crime !" 
Dearest ! — I know not what I say — once moro 
Tell me you love me — no, no ! tell me not ! 
It turns to poison on your lip, and kills. 

Made. Malcolm ! now let us part — as suits us both, 
Calmly — as best beseems our misery. 
Go ; be you happy ! — you .cannot be happy — 
I feel it in my heart — but, be at peace. 
I bear my sorrovir meekly. On your hand 
I place my lips — I bless you — and farewell ! 

[Exeunt, Madeleine, r. ; Malcohn, L, 

END OF ACT III. 



ACT IV. 
Scene I. — Holyrood — The King's closet. 
Enter an Attejjdant, r. conducting Bishop. 
^tten. His grace will not be long ere he returns 
Please you, be seated. 



iCEHE J.J THE KIXG OF THE COMMONS. 51 

Bishop. Guard well the prisoner. [Exit Aitendant, L.] 
On the eve of war 
To leave his foes unwatched — his very camp . 
A scene of treason ; but I've laid my hand 
On every loop in the net. 'Tis like the king — 
Some playful hiding in a burgher suit — 
I thought he had been sobered. That's his step. 

Enter James, l. 

James. Ha ! my good lord — but we're unfitly geared 
For shrift and penance ; we have rid for the life 
Up hill — down dale. But you look big with care. 
Out with it ; " it will burst you." 

*' Bishop. It befits 
" Neither my years nor my great calling. Sir, 
" Nor the meek spirit that should harbour here, 
" To mix in the fierce struggles in a court. 

" James. I know you well. Excuse me, good my 
Lord, 
•* If, with the flippant quickness of the tongue, 
" I hide the respect and deep reverence, 
" Which my heart bears to the right reverend virtues 
"Of meekness, truth, and most sweet gentleness, 
" I've ever found in you." 

Bishop. Ah, Sir ! I'm old — 
It may be that my time is nearly done — 
But I would fain, even to the end of my life, 
Bear you true service ; for I've niark'd in you 
Ever, from boyish days, a loving heart — 
Loving, though fiery ; and most merciful — 
Too merciful ! 

" James. Nay ; not so, my good Lord. 
" 111 fares it with kings* swords when the sharp blade 
" Shines oftener in the subject's dazzled eyes, 
" Than the pearl-studded heft and jewell'd sheath. 

" Bishop. There may be times when the steel blade is|ill 
" That gives true value to the jewelled sheath." 

James. How mean you ] You were my preceptor, Sir- 
Most kind — most wise : but you have told me often 
I lack'd the bridle, not the spur. 

Bi-shop. The bridle, 
In your wil«l course of dalliance and deray; 



52 THE KING OF THE COMMt NS. [^ act 1 V 

The spui , ill action fitting for a king. 

Jatnes. Not so — ay Heaven! not so. Show me J he deed 
You'd hav^e mo do that's fitting fiar a king, 
And, though it to'e the softest string i' my heart, 
I'll do it. [Crosses to u. 

Bishop. Prepare yoii, then ! 

James. What is't, I say 1 
You think I have no higher, nobler thoughts, 
Than suit a pageant king on silken throne ? 
My lord, you know me not. 

Bishop. What would you do 
If treachery 

James. Pah ! you know of treachery, too. 
Fear not, my Lord — I'm glad 'twas only that ! 
Whew ! — my mind's easy now. Why, my good Lord, 
I thought 't had been some terribler thing than that. 

Bishop. Than what, ray liege % 

James: You'll see — you'll see ; fear not. 
I tell you a king's eye can see as clear 
As a good bishop's. Ere three hours are fled, 
There will be proof. Come to our court at nine ; 
You'll see some action then that fits a king ; 
And, as you go, send me Lord Seton. 

Bishop. Seton ! 
No ; save in keeping of the guard. 

James. My Lord, 
Say that again : perhaps I heard not right. 
I told you to send Seton — my friend Seton — 
Lord Seton — and you answered something. What 1 

Bishop. That he's the traitor I would warn you of. 
James. Seton a traitor % Seton,' that I've loved 
Since we were boys ! Ho ! Seton ! — Rest you. Sir ; 
You shall avouch this thing. — Seton ! ho ! Seton I 
Bishop. My liege, I've proofs. 
James. What say you 1 — proofs 1 
Bish. Ay, proofs. 
Clearer than sunlight. 

Elder Attendant, l. 
James. [ With dignity. \ Take our greeting, Sir, 
To the Lord Se6:>n — we would see him here. 

[Exit AtiendaKt, R 



Sivm 1 'fHE KING OF THE COMMONS. M 

Proofs ! an J of Seton's guilt ! Can it be so 1 

He was my friend — from five years old — so high ; 

We'd the same masters, played at the same games-— 

Coits — golf. Fool ! fool ! to think that anything 

Can bind a heart. I thought his heart was mine, 

His love — his life — and to desert me now ! [Crosies to v. 

Viper ! He shall not live to laugh at me — 

At the poor king that trusted. Viper— dog i 

My Lord, this thing you say is full of proof 1 

Bishop. Ay, Sir. Be firm. 

James. Firm ! There's no tyrant king 
That flung men's hearts to feed the beasts i* the circus ; 
That tore men's limbs with horses for their sport ; 
That sent men to the tigers, and looked on 
To see them quivering in the monster's claws. 
Was half so firm — so pitiless ! 

Enter Seton, r. 

You're here ! 

Scion. Welcome, kind liege, fo Holyrood again ! 

Jcunes. Back — back — keep off me ! We're your king, 
Lord Seton ! 
We will be just — we were in anger late. 
We're calm. — Though it should burst my heart in twain 
I will be calm. [Aside.^ 

Seton. My liege, what means this charge 1 
I am not used to hear so harsh a voice 
From my kind master — from my friend ! 

James. Not that ! 
By heaven, we're friend to not a man on earth ! 
No — never more ! * 

Seton. You are unjust to me. 
You wrong me — oh, you wrong me. Sir ! 

James. [Aside.^ Oh, heaven ! 
That I should hear a traitor borrow thus 
John Seton's voice, and look through Seton's eyes ! 
Now, then, my lord ; what say you of this man ? 

Bishop. That he deceives you. 

Seton. 1 1 you false-tongued — but. 
Forgive me my rough speech ; you wear a garb 
That checks my tongue. 

Jajiics In what does he deceive J 



B4' THE KING OF THE COMMONS. [Act IV 

Bishop. He and Lord Hume 

James. What! he, too ] Where's Lord Hume ? 

Bishop. I blame not him, my liege ! 

Javies. No. Is he true ? 
Send me Lord Hume : I'd see at least one man 
That keeps his faith ! 

Scton. My liege, I know not yet 
What charge the good Lord Bishop brings against me : 
But, if 'tis breach of faith, of love to you, 
I will not say he lies — but it is false. 

James. Say on — say on ; be sure your proof is strong ; 
For this is such an hour, I would not live it, 
For all the wealth of earth. Quick ! Have it o'er ! 

Bishop. You bear command, Lord Seton, of the host, \ 

James. He does ! 

Bishop. And yet you entertain advice 
With English Dacre. Nay, deny it not ; 
I've seen the messenger in close discourse - 
At night, within your tent. I know his errand, 
For I have trusty watchers in the camp. 

James. Do you deny this ] 

Seton. I cannot deny 

James. Villain ! you can't deny ! Oh, shame^oh, 
shame ! 
Where will you hide you 1 But go on — we're calm. 

Bishop. His errand was to offer you great sums 
Of English gold. 

James. Was this his errand ? 

Setrm. Yes. 

James. And your base coward sword sprung not at once 
Forth from the sheath ? You did ncJt slay the man ? 

Seton. No! 

Bishop. And he sent a message back to Dacre, 
And gave the envoy passage, and safe conduct. 

James. Is all this true 1 — Oh Seton, say the word. 
One little word — tell me it is not true ! 

Seton. My liege, 'tis true. 

James. Then by the name we bear. 
You die! — a traitor's death! \Crosses, •b..'\ Sirrah, the 

guard. 
I will not Ijok again to where he stands. 



SCEWE 1.] THK KING OF THE COMMONS. 55 

Enter Guahd, r. : they stand hy Seton, l. c. 

Let him be taken hence — and let the axe 

Rid me of Seton ! is it so in truth, 

That you've deceived ine — joined my enemies ? 
You — you — my friend — my playmate ! — is it sc ? 
Sir, will you tell me wherein I have failed 
In friendship to the njan that was my friend 1 
V thought [ loved you — that in all my heart 
Dwelt not a thought that wronged you. 

Seton. You have heard 
What my accuser says, and you condemn me— 
I say no word to save a forfeit life — 
A life is not worth having, when't has lost 
All that gave value to it — my sovereign's trust ! 

James, \to the Bisltop.] You see this man, Sir — he's ihe 
self-same age 
That I am. We were children both together — 
We grew — we read in the same book — my lord, 
You must remember that 1 — how we were never 
Separate from each other ; well, this man 
Lived with me, year by year ; he counselled me, 
Cheered me, sustained me — he was as myself— 
The very throne that is to other kings 
A desolate island rising in the sea — 
A pinnacle of power, in solitude. 
Grew to a seat of pleasance in his trust. 
The sea, that chafed all round it with its waves, 
This man bridged over with his love, and made it 
A highway for our subjects' happiness — 
And now ! for a few pieces of red gold 
He leaves me. Oh, he might have coined my life 
Into base ingots — stript me of it all — 
If he had left me faith in one true heart. 
And I should ne'er have grudged him the exchange. 

[Crosses, su 
Go, now. We speak your doom — you die the death ! 
God pardon you ! I dare not pardon you — 
Farewell. 

Seton. I ask no pardon. Sir, from you. 
May you find pardon — ay, in your own heart, 
For what you d i this day ! 



56. THE. KING .OF THK (■OM?,iON:^. (Act IV 

Bishop. Be firm, my liege. 

James. Away, away, old man ! — you do not know— 
You cannot know — what this thing costs me. Go ! 
I'm firm. 

Seton. Who is it that accuses me ? 
'Tis like your noble nature to be sudden ; 
1 thought you just no less. 

James. Ha ! hear you that 1 
Lring on your proof. Though his own tongue confess'd 
Enough to whet the dullest axe to a point — 
Where is that envoy ] 

Bishop. He is here, my liege. 

James. Bring him. \'Exit Bishop, R. 

Let the Lord Seton stay. 

Enter Bisnop and English Messenger, K. 

How now 1 

You came with message from Lord Dacre's camp? 

Mes. From the Lord Dacre's self — so please you, Si* \ 
But will Lord Seton's letter of safe conduct, 
Bear me in surety ? 

James. Have no fear, my friend : 
His letter of safe conduct ! What contained 
Your message to Lord Seton % 

Mes. A free oflTer 
Of twenty thousand marks. 

James. For what — for what ] 

Mes. To stay inactive, or lead off the force. 
When brought to face our army. 

James. Was it so % 
To leave me fenceless ! and he answered you 
Kindly — ^he paused a little, jusl a little. 
Before he struck his king, his friend, to the earth. 
Out with it all ! — He gave you a message back \ . 
Is't so — is't so % 

Mes. Yes, please your majesty. 

James. I knew it ! — a few phrases — a regret — 
A fear — a hope ; but he agreed at last. 
Tell me the answer he sent back to Dacre. 

Bishop. [Shows a letter.] Here is the very letter — I loid 
hold of it 
Oil the mnn's person. 



Scene I,] THE KISG OF THE COMMONS. , 67 

James. Read, read, good Lord Bishop, 
Blink not a word of it — a syllable ; 
Deliver it as we were Dacre's self. 
Now, what says Seton, that degenerate Scot ? 

Bishop, \rcads J This is my answer to Liord Dai re's mU" 
sage : 
1 trample with my lied on your foul hrihe — 
I send you scorn, and hatred, and defiance. 

James. More, more ! 

Bishop. I cast my glove into your face, 
And suynmon you to meet me, foot to foot. 
When flies the Scottish banner on the Tweed 
On Monday morn 

James. Go on ! 

Bisliop. 1 call you slave, 
To think to wean me from my loyalty, 
My truth, my honor to my trusting King. 

James. Ha ! — was it so 1 Go forth, good messenger. 
Bear you this chain of gold, [Hurries the messenger out, R 
My Good Lord Bishop 

What meant you 1 — but no, no — you meant it well ; 
Go mind your priests, my lord, — meddle no more 
In things like this. Keep to your duties, Sir ; 
Bid not your priests be " firm" — tell them to be 
Gentle, forgiving, trustful, but not firm ; 
No more — no more, [Hurries the Bishop out, R. 

Guards, leave my friend. Lord Seton. 

[Exeunt G-uards, R. 
Now we're alone ! Come, Seton ! Seton, here ! 
To my heart. [They embrace.] Why said you nothing 1 

Seton. For I knew 
Your justice 'self would be the pleader for me. 

James. Ah, Seton, what a shock it gave my heart, 
To think that you had left me. Pardon it ; 
It was because I trusted you the most. 
That the blow fell so heavy, I was wrong. 
And you'll forgive me ; all my life shall be 
A recompense for the vile thought that dwelt 
But for ten minutes, — not a minute more, — 
In my weak heart ; but tell me you'll forgive it. 

Seton. Forgive it, my good liege, — 

James. I know you will, 



58 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. [Ajt i¥. 

For I will earn it of you with such trust 
As never king had in his friend before. 

Seto7i. Others, my liege, are false 

James. Ha ! that they are ! 

Bot fear not ; you and Hume are by my side. 

I'll baulk the traitors yet. Oh, I'll be firm — 

Firm as the Bass, rugged as Ailsa crag. 

1 shall know all ere long. Send fifty horse 

To one Sir Adam Weir's, near C alder town ; 

Bring every soul that's found within the house, 

" The old man himself j a widow, Mistress Barton; 

" His kinsman, Malcolm Young ; a fair young girl, 

" Called Madeleine ; an old simpleton. Laird Small, 

"And his son Mungo, — fail not one of them — " 

Bring them all here ; and call a court at nine, 

Fail not — and have our guard in double force ; 

The headsman ready — it may chance our work 

Be bloody, if we're firm. Fail not at nine ; 

And now farewell. [Exeunt, James, r., Seton, L. 

Scene II. — A Room in LaicJimont House* 

Enter Sir Adam Weir, and Malcolm Young, r. 

!Sir A, What said you to your cousin, Madeleine ? 
Does she consent to follow your advice ? 
She would be wise to do it. 

Malcolm. I did not dare 
To intrude upon her grief. 

Sir A. (l. c.) You did not dare ? 
Did I not tell you. Sir, to use the power 
That use, that old acquaintance gave to y'ju, 
To bend her to my will ? 

Mai. (r. c.) You told me. Sir 

Sir A. And you've not done it 1 and affect fine scruples^ 
As if you could not dare to touch her grief! 
Sir, when I give the order, you must dare 
To send her grief to the four winds of heaven, 
And make her do my will. Her grief — her grief! 
What is her grief] 

* The whole of this scene is omitted at the Park Tlieatre^thonpli it Tae repre> 
«eutcd- and. we believe, with considerable effect— at the PriiicessV. 



FcENElI.] THE KING OF THE COMMONS 59 

Mai. Alas, I cannot tell ! 

Sir A. And no one else. She has a heart untouched 
By liking, for she ne'er has spoke to man 
Save you ; and, therefore, why should she refuse 
Her hand where I've determined to bestow ft 1 
" Moss-Holm, with its broad meadows and rich haughs, 
" Is settled on her, on her marriage day ; 
" The management— the rents, are in my hands : 
•' Moss-Holm and Laichmont, if conjoined in one, 
" Were a fit holding for a bfelted earl. 
*' Now hear me farther : If success should crown 
•' My efforts, in a cause which scarce can fail, 
' There is sure promise of a rank and name 
" To me ; and failing other heirs — to her — 
" To Madeleine — the lady Madeleine — 
" The Baroness of Laichmont ! — she shall wed 
" No bold ambitious springald, that might mar 
" My rising, with some crotchet of his own ;" 
I must have Laichmont and Moss-Holm conjoined. 
Now, let her marry this young popinjay, 
Or be an outcast ! Did you tell her this ? 

Mai. Something of this she knew. 

Sir A. I know, she did, 
T told her so. Does she consent, I ask ? 

Mai. She did not tell me she would give consent. 

Sir A. You did not ask her. Am I thwarted thus ? 
Have you the insolence to tell me this I 
Know you what I have been to you ] 

Mai. I do. 

Sir A. And know you what it is you are ? 

Mai. I do. 

Sir A. Well, then — why spoke you not to Madeleine, 
To change her purpose 1 

Mai. For I could not do it. 

Sir A. You. would not. You're a kinsman, Malcolm 
Young — 
A penniless, unfriended kinsman. Sir ; 
Know you 'twas I that moved the Cardinal 
To give you priesthood ? 

Mai. Yes, I know it was. 
Sir Adam Weir, let us have no mistake : 
You asked me, if I knew what you had been.: 



60 THE KING OF THE COMMONS [ I...T IV. 

T to] J you yes. You asked me, if I knew 

Who T was, and I told you, yes, again. 

Vi)u taunt me that I w friendless — that I'm poor; 

Yon hf)ast you moved the great Lord Cardinal 

To make me priest. I am a friendless man ; 

I'm poor; I am a priest — and would to Heaven 

That I had died the day that made me so ! 

You've cnished my heart. I will not curse you, Sir, 

iJiit I will bid you look into your breast — 

What see you there 1 Oh, Sii^ is there no thought 

Of all the wrecks you've made of Peace — of Hope — 

Of Trust and Innocence 1 

Sh- A. flow mean you, Sir ] 

Mai. Nay, hear me out. When all that I possessed^ 
It was not much, but it was all I had — 
Was lost in the great bark in which you sailed, 
When you were shipwrecked on the Spanish eoast 

Sir A. I know, I know ; 370U doubt not I was wrecked 1 
I have the proofs. 

Mai. When all I had was lost, 
And I was doomed to eat the bitter bi'ead 
Of grudging kindness,, you assumed a right 
To guide me : I was plastic in your hands : 
I turned my sprit from its loved pursuits — 
The steed — the sword — and bent it to the toil 
Of midnight study ; half forgot myself 
To stone, and weeded from my heart away 
All memories — so I thought — of what bad been. 
Sir, all these memories have sprung again, 
Fresh ! Oh, they rush like a red lava-flood 
Into my soul — they boil up to my brain ! 
Man, that I trusted ! tyrant, who has made 
My life a desert, and my heart a tomb ! 
I warn you, make not others miserable. 
As you've made me. I'm a roused man. Beware ! 

Si?- A. What is't you know ? Of what must I beware I 

Mai. I tell you, every tear that I have shed, 
Rises to Heaven against you, like the voice 
Of blood ! for Sorrow has a cry for Vengeance 
On him who caused it, as the voiceless lips 
Of murdered men call out to Righteous Heaven 
Against their murderer i There's an hour shall come — 
It niay come quickly. 



SdfiNEll.] TMli KING OF THE COMMONS 61 

Sir A. What do you suspect 1 

Mai. Nothing. I've no suspicions ; but I know. 

[Exit, L. 

Sir A. What is't he knows ] Can he have heard it said 
There was no wreck — and that I kept it all 1 
It cannot be — no, no — the proofs are good. 
And Madeleine, too, the meek-souled Madeleine, 
The worm I've trampled, turns on me at last. 
What has she learned ? — does she know all 1 Well, well, 
What if she does 1 she's but a silly girl, 
And men will laugh at her, if she but breathe 
A word against my name. No ; she shall wed. 
Oh, she will pine, for she's of noble thoughts. 
When married to the fool. But all Moss-Holm 
Is mine — is mine ! and all my dreams come true. 

[A noise heard. 
What tramp is that of horsemen in the court ? 
Can Albyn be returned ? And will the lords 
Do as Lord Dacre bids them ? Will they take 
The English bribes, and leave thp fiery James 
Unfriended, powerless ? Then, my game is won ! 
No danger more ; rank, fortune, all my own ; 

Enter Laird Small, Mijngo, and Widow, n. 

Laird. Gadso ! it's very kind in good King James 

Sir A. What is it, Sir? 

Laird. It's very kind, Gadso ! 
He's heard of Mungo's marriage, and commands 
His presence, and his bride's ; Gadso, 'tis kind ! 
I thought not Mungo such a favourite. 

Sir A. (l. c.) Your son is silent, Sir. 

Laird. [To Mungo.] Why don't you speak % 

Enter Officer, r. 

Qffi. The King commands you with all speed to court. 

Laird. Gadso ! you don't seem pleased. I'll bet yoi|, 
now, 
James has some famous tournament afoot. 
And want's to run a course with you himself. 

Mun. (r. c.) With me — a course 1 

Laird. [To Sir Jldam.] I told you he was a boy ! 

Sir A. What means all this 1 what is it you would say 1 



60 THE KING OF THE COMMONS [Act VI 

Laird. The king lias sent for us : for you and me, 
And Mungo, and good Widow Barton, here. 
Gadso, he deigns to give the bride away 
With his own hand ; so says the messenger ! 

Mun. Father, when we arrive at Holyrood, 
Don't say a word about the tournament. 

Laird. No 1 Does the King not like it 1 few folks do 
To be reminded of discomfitures. 
I knew a captain of — but never mind. 
He ran away from Flodden. Gadso,' Sir! 
If you said anything that began with F, — 
Physic, philosophy, no matter what — 
Gadso, he flew in such a passion, Sir, 

Sir A. I'll not to court : I'm old ; I am not well. 

Offi. I must require you to make no delay; 
We must reach Holyrood ere vesper chime. 

Sir A, [Aside.] Is it, then, true, this fool is loved by 
James % 
Why, then, so much the better. [Aloud.] If the king 
Commands, we must obej. 

Widow. What, I? Sir Adam! 
My silk is at the dyer's, the old puce-; 
It's to be black; I wish it had come home. 
How can I look upon a king, dressed thus ? 
Oh ! it will be high treason. Where's my cousin ] 
I'll borrow her green satin. Madeleine ! 
Where is she gone to ] Cousin Madeleine ! [Exit, i.. 

Mun. Father, you'll not speak any nonsense, now, 
About my breaking in King James's horse 1 

Laird. Why not ? It was a goodly piece of service ; 
I wish you had done the sa.me to my old mare ; 
She laid me in a ditch. 

Mun. I wish the King 
Would leave folks to get married for themselves. 

Offi. I must remind you — 

Sir. A. You had best make haste 
To obey the summons. I am quite prepared. 

Laird. The King is very kind — exceeding good. 
Come, Mungo, we'll go on ; the bride will follow. 
Gadso ! I'm thankful to the Kinjf. Come, boy ! 

[Exeunt omnes, n. 

END OF ACT IV. 



ScekeI.] the king of the commons. 63 



ACT V. 

Scene I. — The Audiendt Chamber in Hohjrood ; folding- 
doors at the back ; a side-door, r. ; throne, L. c. 

" James seated apart. The Courtiers in grovps. The 
" LoROS observing him. 

" Somer. [To Kil.] His grace is heavier than his wont 

" Kil. He looks 
" All round, first upon one, then on another, 
'As he would dive into their hearts. 

" Somer. See, now ! 
'• How he is gazing on Lord Seton's face. 

" James. Seton ! 

" Seton. Your Majesty ! 

" James. Come near me, Seton ! 
' What is't detains the Cardinal so long ? ^ 
" 'Tis no such mighty work ; a ready pen 
" And a good will should make it minutes' business. 

" Seton. I'll seek his grace. 

" James. Bid hinr despatch. [Exit Seton, r. 

" [To Hume.] A word-^ 
" The escort is returned from Laichmont ? 

" Hume. Yes. 

" James. With the whole household of Sir Adam Weir 1 

" Hume. They wait your summons in the ante-chamber. 

" James. Well, let them wait awhile ; we've other mat- 
" ters 
" That need our ordering first. I'll call them soon. 

" Kil. [To Somerville.] A smile— the first I've seen on 
him to-day. 

♦• Somer. I trust he has no doubt. 

" Kil. His looks are sad, 
" Not doubtful. He is of a trusting nature. 

" Somer. When comes the messenger fx-om Racre's 
camp 1 

" Max. I trust, ere long ; I like quick settlements. 
" And, by the Lord! if Dacre plays us false, 
" And sends not the instalment due this W£ek, 
" I'll join the King ! 

" Kil. Oh.' he will send the coin. 



64 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. f Act ▼ 

" Re-enter Setc n. 

" James. Well— well 1 

" Seto?i. The papers are prepared ; his gi-ace 
" Attends you. . 

" James. Bring him. With your leave, my lords, 
" We'll have some private conference with the cardinal. 
[Exeunt Lords, Sfc., through the folding-doors. 

" Enter Archbishop — Usher at the door. 

" James. Is it prepared ? All signed, and duly sealed? 
** You stand not on your scruples 1 Give it me ! 

" Archbishop. [Giving a parchment.^ 'Tis here, my liego. 

" James. And nothing left to do, 
" But write the name of the recipient? 
" Here is the blank — I will insert the name. 
" I thank you for this act. 

" Archbishop. I know not, Sire, 
" If in this cause I strain not the full powers 
" Held from the holy father. Oh, bethink you, 
•' Ere 'tis too late, how great a thing you ask ! 

" James. 'Tis a stout arm — a gallant -heart I ask, 
" That you have nearly robbed poor Scotland cf. 
" Why, you can find a score in every parish, 
" With hands as qualified to handle tithes, 
" And lips as eloquent in Homilies,' 
*' But scarce so quick an eye, so true a sword, 
" In all the land ! I can't afford him. Sir ; 
"And so I thank you, good Lord Cardinal — 
" You give me back a soldier. 

" ArchbisJwp. [r. c.J And strip off 
" The holy panoply that guarded him 
" From sin. Oh, Sir ! — it is not yet too late : 
" Bethink you — you lay bare to the assaults 
" Of Satan, the poor heart that lay secure 
" Behind the blessing of the church. Your hand 
•• Launches again the bark — that lay in safety 
" In a calm haven — out iVito the sea, 
" Where storms are raging, and the waves are high — 
" The bark may founder ! Give me back the deed ! 

•' James. Not for my crown ! What ho ! Bring to our 



Scene I. J^ THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 65 

"The mail I told you of. \Exit Usher, c. 

" Jlrck. So true a love 
" As James shows ever to the holy See 
" Moves me to do his bidding in this thing; 
" Your Majesty vi^ill see in it a proof 
" Of how your zeal is valued. 

" James. [ Who has heen reading the deed.] All correc*. ! 
" Naught but the name to add. 

Enter Malcolm Young. 

" Come hither, Sir. 
" We have heard sucii good report of your deservings, 
•' That we think fit, as a discerning king — 
" Whose eyes should ever watch upon the worth 
" Of his true subjects, to bestow reward 
" On the well-doer — to advance your rank. 
" How stand you in the Church '\ 

" Mai. My gracious liege, 
" Pardon me. To have earned my sovereign's praise — 
" If such I've done, I know not by what means — 
*' Is all I hope. 

" James. Do you I'efuse our favour ? 

" Mai. My liege, I have no higher wish on earth 
" Than to attain your favour. 

" James. What rich stalls — 
•' What prebends are now vacant 1 You're too young 
" To be .a bishop ; yet there may be times 
" When youth is no impediment. How say you ? 

" Mai. I wish no station in the cburch, my liege ; 
" Rather I wish to lay aside the place 
" I hold e'en now, and in some silent cell 
" To hide me from the world. I pi'ay your grace, 
"Hold me excused. I have no wish for power, 
" Or wealth, or honour. 

" James. You're a foolish youth — 
■* Some day-dream blinds you. Kneel to the Archbishop j 

" Mai. To ask his grace's blessing ere I go 

'^^ James. Nay — to receive promotion. Kneel, I say! 

" Mai. [Kneeling to the hing^ I pray your Majesty- 

" James. 'Tis not to us — 
" Kneel to his grace the Archbishop. Kneel not here — 
" Kneel there ! 



di6 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. f^AcT V 

" Mai. [Bising.] I cannot kneel in such a cause. 

" James. No 1 We must ask you in a suppliant's voice. 
" Look on us. 

" \ Malcolm recognises the king, tcho takes off his cap, 
" Why, good fellow, did you think 
*' We had no gratitude for ready help ? 
" Kneel, Sir ] 

" 3Ial. For pardon to your Majesty. 
" I knew not, I suspected not, my liege — 
' Oh, if you would not see me die before you, 
" Wring not a heart that's so deep weighed in g^'iel, 
" It has no other sense ! 

" Ja?}ics. Then won't you trust me 1 
•' I would not add an atom to your giief. 
" Try me ! Why, Malcolm, you've no memory. 
" Have you forgotten how we swore our friendship ] 
" And how fair Madeleine- 

" Mai. Oh ! name her not ! 
" I cannot hear her name. 

" James. But you shall hear it ! 
" I'll name no other name, unless you kneel ! 
" I'll call out Madeleine — and naught but Madeleine — ■ 
" If you won't kneel ! Come, get upon your knee, 
" While I essay my rusty penmanship 
" In writing Malcolm — M A C O M ! — [ Writes.] 
" Young — Malcolm Young. Kneel to the Cardinal. 

" Mai. I'm so amazed — bewildered ! Good my liege, 
" You bruise a spirit that, oppressed already 

" Jaynes. \To the Archhis7wp.\ Give him the deed ! 
•' [Forces Malcolm to kneel.] Kneel, sirrah ! on your knee ! 
'* j Holds him down.] There ! there ! 

" [The Archbishop gives him the deed ; Jatnes raises and 

"embraces him. 
" Come to my heart; you are a man ! 
" [As he leads him towards the folding doors. 
" Now, then, we face the enemy together. 
" In weal or woe you'll never leave my side, 
" Nor chill, nor falter in your truthfulness 
" To your true fellow-soldier, and kind king. 
" Nay, answer not — I know your very heart ! 
" [To Ui er.] Admit Sir Adam Weir, and wait our coming. 
" [Exit 'with Malcolm, through folding doors. 



8cENE I.J THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 67 

" Usher goes to the side door. Eater Laird Small, Sir 
" Adam Weiii, Mungo, Widow Barton, Madeleine. 
" ^ir Adam stands apart from the others ; courtiers in 
^'■groups; lords j>o-ssing to and fro ; Usher at folding 
" doors* 

Laird. Gadso ! Come, Widow Barton, leave my son 
To throw sweet looks at mistress Madeleine, 
Well ! what a thing it is to have a boy- 
Like Mungo. He's a boy ! 

Widoio. I never thought 
To be so honored — me atHolyrood! 
In such apparel ! Mr. Mungo, Sir, 
Seems in high favor. 

Laird. Favor ! gadso — yes ! 

He's like who's the fat fellow with one eye. 

The Cardinal, in England, — he has a son, 

A butcher — Wolsey ; he's like Cardinal Wolsey. 

Widoiv. A wondrous gentleman. 

Laird. [To Usher.) Pray you, good sir. 
When will the doors be opened % 

Usher. When the king 
Comes forth to give you welcome. Are you all 
Arrived] Where is Sir Adam Weir 1 

Sir A. (l. c.) I'm here. 

Widow. What a white face my uncle has ! 

Laird. Poor man, 
He has no son in favor with the king ! 

" Widoto. But soon will have a grandson. 

*' Laird. So he will, 
•'Gadso! a grandson — that is Mungo Small, 
♦' My son, his grandson — gadso ! what relations 
' Are we then ] Tis a question." 

Mun. [To Made.] How I wish 
This were well over ! Don't you wish it were ? 

Made. What is it ? It concerns not me. 

Mnn. Oh, don't it ? 
That's all you know. Didn't the messenger 

* In the representation, the fifth act commences here: — Laird Small, ffldom 
Barton, the Usher, Madeleine, Mungo, and Sir Adam being discovered grouped 
vpon the stage as the curtain rises. The scene ii the audieircc chamber, as already 
described. 



68 THE KING OF THK COMMONS. 



[Act V 



Tell fdtlier, lliat the king — Gdcl save the king ! 
Out of affectioti to a friend of his — 
He did not nanne liim, — I won't name him, either — 
Was fixed to be your bridesman at the wedding 1 

Laird. [Over/iearing.] Gadso ! That's to reward you 
f(»r your skill, 
Unhorsing Maxwell at the tournament. 

Man. Hush, father! 

Laird. Or, perhaps, for breaking in 
His Spanish horse 1 

Mun. I never broke it in. 
Father, don't speak to James. Pray, widow Barton, 
Would you take Madeleine's arm. Pd say a word 
Into my father's ear. [Goes up with Laird. 

Wido/v. [Going up to Madeleine.^ Why don't you go 
T'your grandsire, girl ? 

Made. I will remain alone. 

Wido(o. It is not seemly on a wedding day 
To look so solemn. 

Mndf. This is not a day 
Of wedding or rejoicing. 

Widmv. Oh ! it is ; 
The king has made a law, that you're to many 
Young Mr. Small. 

Made. I have not long to live ; 
1 pray you leave me to my solemn thoughts — 
Von cannot share them. 

Usher. Hush ! the king ! — the king ! [They retire. 

T he folding doors are thrown open. James advances in 
state, and takes his seat on the throne. All the Lords, 
Bisliops, Ushers, Sfc, follow 

James. [To Seton.] Are the guards doubled in the 
outer ward ? 

^cton. Yes, trebled. 

.lames. That is well — the headsman's ready ? 

Seton. He is. 

.Tames. What lacks it to the vesper chime r 

Setou. A minute or two. 

James. How bold their lordships look ! 
r think I'll humble some of them ere lopg, — 
I'll teach them to take Dacre's bribes ! 



S^tXE 1.] THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 69 

Somcr. (h.c.) He speaks 
Angrily ! 

Kil. I would rather ^ee him angry 
Than knitting his thick brov/, and saying nothing— 
A. dog can't bite while it is barking. 

Usher. \To Kihnaurs?^ Sir, 
A man is at the door, and claims admittance. 

Kil. What man ? — the king is busy. Tell the man 
To come another time. 

Somcr. Who is it, Usher ? 

Usher. A common n an, I'm told. 

Kil. Tell him to go 
To the devil. What business have these common fellowa 
With courts at all 1 

Usher. He insists on coming in ! 

Kil. Tell them to flog him up the Canongate. 

James. What's that ? — you seem in trouble. Lord Kil- 
maurs. 

Kil. Why, 'tis some clownish clodpole tries to force 
His way to see your highness. 

James. Ope the doors ! 
Let him come in. God's mercy, good my lords ! 
Why stand we here, and wear upon our brows 
The Scottish crown, if lives the Scottish man 
That may not claim our help 1 Let him come in. 

[Exit Usher, c. 

Maxwell. [To Somerville.] I hate this constant courting 
of the commons, 
It bodes no good to the nobility. 

Somcr. I trust this expedition to the borders 
Will teach him better. 

Max. He'll be a luckier man 
Than any of his fathers, if he lives 
To boast that he can trample on his peers. 

Enter Usher und Buckie, with a loolfs jaws on his head, c. 

James. How now 1 Who are you in such masquerade 1 
Good Usher, who is this 1 

Mun. [Comi7ig Jbncard.] It's Buckie, Sire, 
The robber of Drumshorlan. 

James. Guard the door ! 
What brings you here ] By'r lady, 'tis too much 



70 THE KING OF THE Ci.''MMONS. [AtT 7 

To beaid us on our throne ! Let him not stir. 

Buc. My liege, the palace gate shall open wide 
To let me go, when I but say the word, 

James. It shall be opened when I say the word, 
To take yo\ir felon body up the street 
To the Tolbooth. 

Buc. I shall be free as air ! 
You will not say that word. 

James. What warrant, knave, 
Have you for boast so idle ] 

Buc. James's word — 
I need no other safeguard. 

James. What's your quest 1 

Buc. Juf^ce ! 

James. Dog ! is't to mock us you are come 
To talk of justice in a court 1 My lords ! 
Where should we be if every man had justice ? 
Where should we be, Kilmaurs — Grey — Somerville f 

Somcr. 1 like not this beginning. Who is this % 

Kil. I know not ; but the king seems hot in wrath ' 

Max. [To the?n.] He's a known robber! 

Somer. He'll be in a string. 
Dancing at the Tolbooth in half an hour. 

Kil. That's where he means we all should be. 

James. A bold knave, 
Seton ! he braves it well. \To Bucliie\ What are you, cai 
tiff? 

Buc. Some six years since, I would have said a man^ 
But now I know not what to call myself. 
An outcast ! a poor Scottish Ishmaelite, 
My hand against all men, and all men's hands 
'Gainst me. 

James. And now you make a claim on us 
For justice ] Against whom ? 

Buc. Against a man 
Here in this presence ; rich in the world's respect, 
Wise, honoured 

James. And his name ] 

Bu^. Sir Adam Weir! 

James. How 1 now be careful ! He's a man esteemeo, 
Nobly befriended, truthful, honourable : 
My lords I he must be known f^ come of you, 



SckUt L] THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 71 

Why bear you not your witness for your friend 1 

[To Set on, aside. 
See how their conscience keeps them silent, Seton ! 

Sir A. My liege, I know not what this ruffian means. 
Or wherefore he pollutes your Grace's ear 
With accusations unsustained by proof; 
But let him speak — 1 need have little feai 
Of such accuser. 

James. No ! Go on, Sir Knave. 

Buc. 1 do impeach this man. Sir Adam Weir, 
That he, of wilful and deliberate choice, 
Did make his kinsman, George — his brother's son — 
A rcjbber ! 

Sir A. It is false ! the boy is dead. 

Buc. He stript him of his substance, taught his heart 
To be a glowing furnace of fierce thoughts, 
And to forget all blissful lenity — 
All tenderness, all hope, all trust, all pity : 
He made him be an outcast, till his soul 
Grew hard and rugged as the desolate moors 
Where his grim trade was plied. He changed his natur« 
Into a wolf's — his sleep into a hell, 
Filled with dark fiends, that pointed to the Past ! — 
And of these crimes do I accuse this man. 

James. What say you to these plaints. Sir Adam Weir 1 

Sir A. That they are false ; fit for the felon's heart 
They come from ! If my nephew were alive 
He would disprove these baseless calumnies. 
" My liege, 'tis no light thing to load with sham 
" The hoary head of an old man. My name 
" Can stand a greater shock than the attack 
" Of robbers, such as this, I wronged him not — 
" Not of the value of the smallest coin — " 
I loved him, I was kind and good to him 
Ever ; from boyhood up. Nay, had he lived, 
He would be equal sharer of my wealth 
With my poor child, my grandchild, at ray side. 

Buc. But he does live — to meet you front to front — 
Here! [Throws hack the wolf ^s Jiead.] I am he. What! 

not a word to me, 
Kind uncle 1 

James. [Afride.] O ho ! is it &o, my fi-iend ] 



72 THE KL\G OF THE COMMONS. [A.CT "V 

I scaj-cely looked for you in garb like this. 

Buc. iMy liege, my loving uncle holds his tongue; 
Will lie be silent still when I make charge 
Of other crimes — crimes, greater, loftier 

James. What mean you ? 

Buc. Treason ! foul, unnatural treason ! 

Ja?nes. How 1 

Sir A. I repel this villain's accusation — 
This spendthrift robber. Oh, 'tis false, my liege t 
I can appeal to my whole life ; these lords, 
I'm sure they'll speak for me ; for years and years 
Many have known me, they'll answer for me, — 
For my good name • 

James. And is it so, my lords 1 

Kll. [After a 2'>ause.\ We can ; we've known him a raoal 
worthy man, 

Somcr. We've known him for a loyal gentleman ; 
He has given proof 

Buc. Oh ! here is more of proof, 
If it be proof you want. I have command 
To give these packets from Sir Adam Weir 
Into the noble hands of certain peers. 

Sir A. Ha ! — no — 'tis false ! give them to me — they're 
mine. 

James. No ! on your life ! My good Lord Somerville, 
Bring me the packet. 

Somer. [disconcerted.] 'Tis some foolishness : 
I'll take the charge. [Takes the packet from Buckie. 

James. Bring me the packet, Lord ! 

[Somerville gives the packet unwillingly. 

James. [Giving it to Maxwell.] Here, Maxwell, break 
the seal — but your hand shakes ! 
Hume, lay it open ! [Hume opens the packet.] Blessings 

on you, Hume ! 
Oh, what a thing is truth ! Here, give it me ! 

[James takes the jiackbt. 
Now. by my soul, this is a happy time ! 
I hold a score of heads within my hands — 
Heads — noble heads — right honourable heads — 
Stand where you are ! ay, coroneted heads — 
Nay, whisper not ! What think you that I am '\ 
A dolt — a madman ! As I live by bread, 



SceheI.] the king gf the commons. 7 

I'll show you what I am ! You thought me blind, 

You called me heedless James, and hoodwinked James- 

You'll find me watchful James, and vengefal James ! 

[Hufne viarclies in the Guard, tcith Headsman, c. ; thc'tf 
stand, beside the Lords, who form a group, r. c. 
Cojnes forward.] One little word, and it will conjure up 
The fiend to tear you. One motion of this hand- 
One turning of the leaf — Who stirs a foot, 
Is a dead man ! If I but turn the leaf, 
Shame sits, like a foul vulture on a corse, 
And flaps its wings on the dishonoured name? 
Of knights and nobles. 

[A pause ; the Lords look at each other. 
Nay, blench not, good my lords ; 

mean not you ; the idle words I say 
Can have no sting for you ! You are true men — 
True to your King ! You'll show your truth, my Lords, 
n battle ; pah ! we'll teach those Englishmen 
We are not the base things they take us for ; 
They'll see James and his nobles, side by side — 
[Aside.] If they desert me now, then farewell all ! 
\ Aloud.] There ! — [Gives the packet bade to Somerville. 
I know nothing ! 

Sir A. (l. c.) I — my liege — at least, 
Of deed so black, of crimes against your highness, 
'ra innocent. 

[James looks looks sternly at him, and Sir Adam recog* 
nizes him as Albyn. 
James. You chose your messenger 
With matchless skill. Old man, the saddest sight 
That mortal eye can see, is the white head 
That knows not truth. Away ! we mark your words, 
That you make equal portion of your wealth 
Between your nephew and your grandchild. Go ! 

[ Walks up the stage. 
Max. My neck feels rather stiff yet, from the sight 
Of that long axe. 

Somer. He's of a noble heart. 

Max. My lords, I'll fight. 'Tis safer fight Lord Dacre 
Than take his coin. 

Kil. But not so pleasant. 
James. [Returning, l. c] Now 



/4 THE KING OF THF-: COMMOiNS. 



[Act 



To happier scene.s. Come liitlier, Master Small j 
You wisii to wed this lady 1 

Laird, (rt. c.) That he does, 
Gadso ! so please you — and she loves him, too — 
They'd kiss each other tlirough a liole in the wall, 
[,ilse — I forget his name ; and — never mind ! 

Jame.i. And you, as father of the happy bridegroom, 
Csive your consent 1 

Jjdird. Consent ! Gadso ; oh, yes, 
'Twill make them happy. [To Mungo.\ Where's your 

tongue gone to % 
Please you, my son — my iNIungo's more at home 
'n tournaments, and breaking i-n your horse 

M%in. Hush !— hush ! 

Lit/rd. Ciadso ! — you told us so yourself — 
Didn't h(\ Widov/ Barton? 

J tunes, •■ [To Ijor(h.\ Good my lords, 
" Please you,, draw back a space." 

[The Lords retire — James goes to Madeleine, L, C 
How say you, maiden 1 

You lfx)k not on the bridegroom you have chosen, 
Witli loving eyes, as would beseem your state — 
Come, come ; you're bashful ; turn your glowing eyos 
Or) the enraptured Small ! 

L'lird. [Pushhrg Mungo.] Gadso ! — go nearer — 
Tiie King is making love for you himself. 

James. You do not answer. 

Blade. If your majesty 
Knew what a sense of misery was here, 
You would not speak as now. 

Jaines. Why not, I pray you ? 
fs not your bridegroom fair to look upon ? 
Noble in bearing, with a stately step, 
Like a young lion in his native wood ? 
See ! 

Made. Oh ! my iiege ! — spare me this mockery ! 
1 never looked upon the creature's face, 
N'ur listened to his voice ; — far other thoughts 
Were in my heart. 

James. But you will wed the youth ] 

Made. Pather Pll wed my grave. 



Scene l.J THE KING DF THE COMMONS. 76- 

James. [ Tu Mungo.] Why, she wcm't have you ! 
How's this. I thought she loved you, Master Small ! 

M^m. Well, so I thought. 

Laird. Gadso ! — -and so she did ; 
She could not help it. Every body loves him 
He'fsuch a one at tournaments. 

Mun. Be quiet ! 

Laird. And all the ladies blushing, flushing, winking 
You must have seen it in the Stirling lists, 
When he snipt off your royal plume. 

James. My vphat 1 

Laird. Your plume — your feather — a ba-ck-hanced 
blow ! 

James. What's this, friend Small ? 

Mun. My father had a stroke 
Of apoplexy, — he's had curious fancies since. 

.James. I think so has the son. If you're a tilter. 
I'll find you horse and spear; and Captain Buckie 
Shall hold you for three runs. 

Buc. (r. c.) With all my soul. 

Mun. Not for a million ducats ! I can't ride 
More than a meal-bag — nev^r couched a spear— 
I'm 

Laird. Gadso ? — who has apoplexy now ? 

James. Better arrange the duel. — Gentle maid. 
Have you no recollection of a friend % \Sliows her the sca^j 
Or of the scarf you wrapt about his head ] 

Made. You ? — oh, forgive my freedom ! — good my liege, 
I knew you not. 

James. Would you refuse your help 
To a cracked skull, because it was a king's 1 
Ah ! for your sake, I've thought of Malcolm Young, 
And raised him to a rank that he deserves. 

Made. I trust he will be happy. 

James. That he will ! 
I make no doubt he'll be the happiest man 
On Scottish ground. But you must clear your brow — 
He'll not be happy if you're dull and sad. 

Made. I, Sir ? Think not of me. I shall be gone 
And in the silence of some cloistered place 
Pray for my King and him ! 

James. Tut! tut! not s*-. 



76 THE KING OF THE COMMONS. [Act V 

You shall put on the brightest of your smiles, 
You shall sing loudest, laugh the merriest; 
You must leave priests to prayers and orisons; 
Ive fixed upon a husband you must wed ! 

Mun. Is't me, Sir 1 

James. Out, you puppy ! — If you saw — • 

Enter Malcolm c, ?whli/ dressed; led hy Hl'me and 

Seton. 
Malcolm — or one his very image — free 
From priestly vows, led forward to your side. 
And kneeling at your feet — What then ] 

Made. My heart. 
Knows nothing but its own soitow. 

James. Would you not 
Deign but one look on the poor youth ? 

Made. My looks 
Are consecrate to Heaven. I would not look. 

James. And if he knelt and took you by the hand. 
And called your name, and said — 

Mai. My Madeleine ! 

Made. Ha ! 'twas his voice'! — 

James. It is himself, my girl ! 

[Touches Malcolm's shoulder with his sword, 
A knight — rise up, Sir Malcolm — and no priest ; 
The good Lord Cardinal has loosed his vows. 

Mai. And is it so 1 and do I clasp you thus % 
Oh, this is too much happiness ! 

James. Good friend, 
It will not last too long ; be not afraid : 
In a few months, you'll bear it very well ; 
So, in the meantime, make the most of it, 

Somer. [Approaching with Lords.] My Liege ! — 

James. Not yet, my good Lord Somerville. 
[ To Seton.] How looked our yeomen, when they heard 

our name 
On the Boroughmuir, to-day ? 

Seton. They tossed their caps. 
High in the air, and swore they'd follow you-- -— 

James. Blessings upon them ! 

Seton. To the end of the world. 

James. And you, my Lords ] 



Scene I. THE KING OF THE COMMONS. 77 

Somer. We give you our true swords, 
Our lives, our fortunes. 

James.- Say you so in truth 1 
Then, by my life, no king in all the earth 
Can move our envy, or our fears, one jot. « 

The land is safe and unassailable, 
Girt in a panoply of pierceless mail, 
That's guarded by a brave nobility — 
A loving people- — 

Seton. And true-hearted King ! 

[Curtain falh.l 

DISPOSITION OF THE CHARACTERS AT THE FALL OF 
THE CURTAIN. 

LoBDs. SsTON. Kino. Malcolm. Maseleimx 



A Glorious Change. 



Medical treatment has been revolutionized. The Drastic 
purgatives with which it was the fashion to scour the system 
for every ailment, twenty years ago, have been abandoned. 
At last the discovery has been made that RENOVATION, NOT 
PROSTRATION, IS THE TRUE MEDICAL PHILOSOPHY. 
The introduction of PLANTATION BITTERS opened 
the eyes of the world to this great fact. The life-sustaining 
principle embodied in this great Yegetable Restorative is 
manifested in the weak and desponding by an Immediate and 
most encouraging change. A pleasiant glow, the precursor of 
retux-ning health, is ditfnsed through the system, and every 
day the invalid is conscious of a im^w accession of vital power. 
If the appetite has failed, it is quickened ; if digestion has 
been painful and imperfect, it becomes easy and thorough; 
if the liver is torpid, it is roused and regulated; if the nerves 
are relaxed, they are strengthened and restrung; if the brain 
has been haunted toy morbid fancies, they are put to flight, 
and hope and cheerfulness return. The old practice was to 
convulse, and rack, and strain the feeble patient with power- 
ful cathartics. It was like clubbing a man after he was down. 
Happily, this false and fatal mode of treatment no longer 
finds favor with the enlightened members of the faculty. In 
the face of the extraordinary cures of general debility, dys- 
pepsia, biliousness, constipation and mental despondency, 
wrought by Plantation Bitters, no practitioner, not in league 
with death and the undertaker, could persist in it. The 
terrible evacuents wiiich were once prescribed as Spring and 
Summer Medicines, have utterly lost their prestige. The 
sick will not take them— and Plantation Bitters, in which are 
combined the elements of a stomachic, an invigorant, a mild 
laxative, a nervine, and an anti-bilious specific, reigns in 
their stead. Plantation Bitters are sold by all respectable 
Drugrifuitiii in the United States. 



THE NE"V\^ FOOD. 



Office of the BAND SEA MOSS FAEINE CO.. j 
No. 53 Paek Place. [ 

In order that the public may be as fully informed as possible, in regard to 
the Sea Moss Farine, we submit as much information of its worth and merit 
as space will admit. It is exceedingly gratifying to the Company to know that 
their efforts to place a really good article of food in the market is so fully 
appreciated ; and we trust that in the future, as well as in the past, we may 
continue to merit the appreciation of all. 



[From the Weekly Tribune of Dec. 15, 1869.1 
AMERICAN INSTITUTE FARMEHS' CLUB, 

Session of December 7, 1869, held at Cooper Union. Alderman Nathan C. Ely 
in the chair, John W. Chambers, Secretary. The first subject introduced was — 

"uA. nsTEJvy^ -tA^i^tiozjIe of foot:)." 

The "ex-Mayor of Boston," Hon. J. V. C. Smith, M. D., distributed some 
parcels of Sea Moss Eaeine, which he said is offered to the public as the most 
nutritive, delicious and cheap article of its class ever manufactui-ed in this 
country or in Europe. The ex-Mayor gave a lengthened professional evidence 
in favor of the preparation, and detailed like opinions of medical gentlemen in 
Europe. 

To ascertain if these claims are well founded, the following ladies— who 
are distinguished for their intelligence and social position, and as acting under 
the authority of the Institute — were appointed a Committee to examine it and 
report : Mrs. L. E. Lyman, Mrs. J. W. Chambers, Mrs. D. T. Conner, Mrs. D. 
B. Bruen and Mrs. M. J. Gushing, M. T>. 



\Fromthe Weekly Tribune, Dec. 22, 1869.] 
AMERICAN INSTITUTE FARMERS' CLUB, 

Session of Tuesday, Dec. 21, 1869, held at Cooper Union. Nathan C. Ely, Chair- 
man ; John W. Chambers, Secretary. 

Report on. the Ne-w Article of Food — Sea. Moss Farine. 
The Committee of Ladies, Mrs. Lyman, Mrs. Chambers and others, re- 
quested to report on Carrageen, or Irish Moss (from which Sea Moss Faeine is 
manufactured), as a dish for the table, finds that the substance grows on rooks 
and stones on the sea-coasts ol Europe, and in poouhar abundance on the Atlan- 
tic coast of Ireland, where itis chiefly gathered. It is said to be a native of the 
United States, and is found in limited quantities on the coast ot Massachusetts. 
It is picked from the rocks at low tide. After being washed, it is dried in the 
sun. Chemists and doctors who have analyzed it, find it is nutritive and 
demulcent ; and, being easy of digestion, it forms a useful article of diet as a 
substitute for gi-ain loocls, Hud is particularly recommended in chronic pectoral 
affections, scrofulous complaints, dysenterjs diarrliea, &c. Carrageen id very 
gelatinous, and very valuable as food. It is rooognized as superior to all orders 
of moss as demulcent, and in its nutritive qualities. It is said that Napoleon 
Bonaparte said to Dr. O'Meara, atSt. Helena, that itwas employed as an article 
of diet by physicians in Corsica, in the treatment of tumors and cancers, on 
account of the iodine it contains. It is used in England and France as a light 
and nourishing article of food. 



A NEW FOOD SOURCE. 



The moss, as it comes from the sea, is filled with sand, pebbles, small 
shells, &c., and very saline in taste : and, prepared as food in its original state, 
is very troublesome to the housekeeper, while it is very easy to prepare when 
made from Sea Moss Fakine. By this process, it is first thoroughly washed 
and deprived of its extreme saline taste. It is then picked over by hand and 
desiccated, aftet which it passes through several mills and machines, by which 
it > cleaned perfectly, and reduced to a powdered and concentrated condition 
without being deprived of its refreshing ocean flavor. A packet of Com Starch, 
Maizena or Farina costs 16c. at retaU, and makes, combined with milk, without 
eggs, only from four to sis quarts of Blanc Mange Pudding, while Sea Moss 
Fabine, costing 25c., will produce full sixteen quarts. The Committee are 
satisfied that as a cheap, simple and ready dessert, or a dish for young children 
and for invalids, it will be found, asi'iMS prepared, a valuable addition to articles 
more generally known and widely used. 

(Signed,) 

Mes. L. E. LYMAN, (wife of the Agricultural Editor of 
the N. Y. Tribune. 

Mbs. J. W. CHAMBERS, (wife of the Secretary of the 
American Institute. ) 

Mbs. D. T. CONTSTER. 5-Mile Run, N. J. 

Mbs. D. B. BRUEN, Newark, N. J. 

Mes. MARIA J. CDSHING, M. D., 231 East 40th St., N. Y. 



ASTOR HOUSE, New Yobk, Jan., 1870. 
Rand Sea Moss Fabine Co. : 

Gentiemen : We commenced the use of your ^ea Moss Parine at your earnest 
solicitation, but very reluctantly, and without any i'aith in it, from the fact that 
so many new articles of food are daUy offeL-ed, aad prove, in almost every case, 
to be utterly worthless. We are very happy to say that yours has not only 
proved an exception, but is a. decided success. It not only possesses real merit, 
but makes a delicious dessert. We shad continue to use it for two reasons: first, 
the guests of the Astor House Uke it ; and second, we like it, because it is by far 
the cheapest article in the market for Blanc Mange, Puddings, Creams, &c. 
Very respectfully yours, 

C. A. STETSON'S SONS. 

Beooklyn, N. Y., Sept. 13, 1869. 
My Dear Rand : I have submitted your "Sea Moss Farine " to the " kitchen 
cabinet," and the decision is decidedly iavorable. It quite surpassed my most 
sanguine expectations. There is a slight and yet positive sea flavor— just a hint 
of the ocean— in it, whicli is rare and delightful. My wife liked it, the children 
liked it — took to it naturally — and all at the table passed up their dishes twice. 
The peoples' proverb was verified, that " thepfoof of a pudding is in eating it." 
Your friend and brother, 

J. HYATT SailTH, 

Pastor of the Lee Ave. Baptist Church. 



PARKER HOUSE, Boston, Jan. 25, 1870. 
Rand Sea Moss Fabine Co., New York : 

We are using " Sea Moss Farine," and find it just what you state it is— real, 
pure Irish Moss, so refined, desiccated and condensed that we can prepare 
dishes for dessert from it m a few minutes, instead of hours, when made from 
the crude moss. 

We very cordially recommend it (as prepared by you) far superior and 
much cheaper than Corn Starch, Maizena, Farina, Gelatine, or any like article 
for Blanc Mange, Creams, Puddings, Charlotte Busse, &c., &c. We hope that 
its deUcate and elegant appearance on the table— and more than all this, its 
well-known healthfulness and delicious flavor — will command for it millions of 
consumers. Respectfully yours, 

H. D. PARKER & CO. 



X NEW FOOD SOURCE. 



We have received the following characteristic note from the celebrated Dlo 
Lewis, A. M., M. D., Principal of the Lexington Young Ladies' Seminary for 
Physical Education, author of '' Weak Lungs, and How to Make Them Strong," 
of " The New Gymnastics for Men, Women and Children," and "Lecture on 
Physical Culture ■" 

17 Beacon Street, Boston, January 25, 1870. 
Kand Sea Moss Faeine Co. ; 

My wife says that your new preparation, "Sea Moss i'arine," is viorih iU 
weight in gold ; no trouble, .so sure, and bo deliciovs. 

Believe me, in addition to my "better half'.s " tewtimony, when I add that 
my most ioothsoma tooth is very thankfully yours. DIO LEWIS. 



JEnROJVI THE 3PR.IQSS. 

No such sensation has been created in the food market during the present 
century, as that occasioned by the introduction of the 7iew staff of life, known 
as Sea Moss Fariue. It is difficult to tell the truth about this extraordinary 
article of diet without being suspected of exaggeration. — Boston Post. 

A still greater number of distinguished physiciauu and scientific chemists 
indorse it as a nutritient of the very first class, whiio every housekeeper who 
uses it admits that it is fully fifty per cent, cheaper than Maizena, Farina, Corn 
Starch, or any other kindred preparation. — Boston Times. 

Housekeepers declare that the quantity of exquisite Custards, Blanc Mange, 
Light Pudding, Creams, Jelly, i^c, producible from the Farine, exceeds by one • 
half that obtainable from any other ghitinoas agent used in cooking. — St. Louii 
Republican. 

One experiment will convince the most skeptical that with Sea Moss Farine 
they can produce unequalled Custards, Puddings, Jellies, Charlotte Kusse, 
Creams, Soups, &c., ko.— Express. 

Here, then, we have an entirely new article of food of the most delicate and 
inviting character, adapted to the use of the table for Blanc Mange, Puddings, 
Charlotte de Busse, <S:c., and almost invaluable for use by the invalid. It is 
simple, delicate, nutritious, harmless, remedial and economical, as it can be 
furnished for one-third to one-half the cost of Corn Starch, Maizena, Farina, 
&c., for all of which it i^ more than a substitute. It is made up without 
trouble, and will always be good. Try it ; and our word for it, you will continue 
in its use. — Independent. 

The Company state at least fifty delicious dishes can be made from the Sea 
Moss Farine, and give in their circular the recipes for many of them. We 
consider Mr. Hand's discovery a highly-important one for he millions, and 
indeed for all classes of society, in these stringent times.— Ke Weekly. 

It has been placed, so to speak, in the front rank of our food staples, and 
all that has been said of it by the x)atentee (Mr. Hand), and the Company inte- 
rested in its sale, appears to be approved and confirmed by public opinion. — 
The Mail. 

As to its deliciousuess, the " proof of the pudding is in eating it ;" and 
we feel confident that no man or woman who has once eaten of a Blanc Mange, 
Pudding, Custard, Cream, Charlotte Kusse, or any other deUcacy prepared with 
this marine Godsend, will deny its claim to rank among the table luxuries of 
the period. — Tribune. 

This apparently impossibility has been overcome — experimental science 
overcomes almost every obstacle, now-a-days — and Irish Moss, purified, con- 
centrated, and rendered an absolute luxury, as Sea Moss Faeine, will hereafter 
be quoted as a food staple in the markets of the world.— T/te World. 

Hence it will be cheap as long as the sea and rocks last— -which will be long 
enough for all practicable purposes. Our main object in this article has been 
to place what we believe to be a subject of great importance, in its true light ; 
nothius more, nothing less. — Home Journal. 



322 The Charcoal Burner 
3/3 Adelgilha 

324 Sen or Valiente 

325 Forest Rose 

326 Duke's Daughter 

327 Camillas Husband 

328 Pure Gold 



(Catalogue 

VOL. XLII, 

329 Ticket of Leave Mai 

330 Fool's Revenge 

331 O'Neilthe Great 

332 Handy Andy 

333 Pirate of the Isles 

334 Fanchon 

335 Little Barefoot 

336 Wild Irish Girl 



m secona page of cover. 

VOL. XLIII. 

337 Pearl of Savoy 

338 Dead Heart 

339 Ten Nights in a Bar-room 

340 Dumb Boy of Manchester 

341 Belphegor the Mountebank 
842 Cricket on the Hearth 
!I43 Printer's Devil 
W4 Meg's Diversion 



VOL. XLIV. 

345 Drunkard's Doom 

346 Chimney Corner 

347 Fifteen Years of a Drunk- 

348 No Thoroughfare fard's 

349 Peep O' Day [Life 
330 Everybody's Friend 
Hamlet, in Three Acts 
Guttle & Gulpit 



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an original Comedy, a Burlesque and Faroe 40 



T H E E T H I P I A N DRAMA. 



(NEW QERIES. 



1 Blinks and Jinks 

2 Lucky Number 

3 Somebody s Coat 

4 Trip to Paris 

5 Arrival of Dickens 

6 Black OleBull 

7 Blackest Tragedy of All 

so. 

1 Robert Make-Airs 

2 Box and Cox 

3 Mazeppa 

4 United States Mail 

5 The Coopers 

6 Old Dads Cabin 

7 The Rival Lovers 

8 The Sham Doctor 

9 Jolly Millers 

10 Villikins and his Dinah 

11 The Quack Doctor 

12 The Mystic Spell 

13 The Black Statue 

14 Uncle Jeff 

15 The Mischievous Nigger 

16 The BlacK Shoemaker 



8 Tom»ud Jerry, and Who' 

been Here 
9N0 Tator. orManFish 
10 ■Who Stole the Chickens 



1 3 Ten Days in the Tombs 

14 Two Pompeys 

15 Running the Blockade 

16 Jeemes the Poet 

17 Intelligence OfHce 

18 Echo Band 



NO. 

19 Deserters 

20 Deaf as a Post 

21 Dead Alive 

22 Cousin Joe's Visit 

23 Boarding School 

24 Academy of Stars 



17 The Magic Penny 

18 'Ohe Wreck | ny Cupids 

19 .)hHushlorThe Virgin- 

20 fhe Portrait Painter 

21 The Hop of Fashion 

22 Jone Squash 

23 The Virginia Mummv 

24 Thieves at the Mill 
2E Comedy of Errors 
2< LesMiserables 

2i New Tear's Calls 
2t Troublesomo Servant 

25 Great Arrival 

30 Rooms to Let 

31 Black Crook Burlesque 
3i Ticket Taker 



33 Hypochondriac 
31 William Tell 

35 Rose Dale 

36 Feast 

37 Fenian Spy 

33 Jack's the Lad 

39 Othello 

40 Camille 

41 Nobody's Son 

42 Sports on a Lark 

43 Actor and Singer 

44 Shyluck 

43 Quarrelsome Servants 

46 Haunted House 

47 No Cure, No Pay 



tNine 



NO. 

4.8 Fighting for the Union 

49 Hamlet the Dainty 

50 Corsican Twins 

51 Deaf -in a Horn 

52 Challenge Dance 

53 De Trouble begin! 

54 Scenes at Gurney 

55 16,000 Years Ago 

56 Stage- struck Darkey 

57 Black Mail | Clothes 
53 Highest Price for Old 

59 Howls from the Owl Train 
CO Old Hunks 
CI The Three Black Smiths 
62 Turkeys in Season 



Tony 



Denier's Parlor Pantomimes.— In Ten Parts, 25 Cts. each. 

No. v.— The Vitandiere; or. The Daughter of the 

Regiment. Dame TiiOT A^•D her Comicai, Cat; 

or. The Misfortunes of Johnny Greene. 
No. 'VI.— Godenski ; or, The Skaters of Wilnan. 

The Enchanted Horn ; or, The Witches' Gift. 
No. VII.— The Souoier for Love ; or, a Hero in 

Spite of Himself. Simeon's Mishaps; or. The 

Hungarian Rendezvous. 
No. VIII.— The Village Ghost; or. Love and 

Murder both Found Out. The Fairies' FROiiio ; 



Ko. I.— A Memoir or the A»7thor. By Sylvester 
Bleeker, Esq. How to Express the Various 
Passions, Actions, etc. The Four Lover s ; or, 
Les Rivales' Rendezvous. THE Frisky Cobbler ; 
or. The Rival Artisans. 



No. H.— The Rise and Progress of Pantomime. 
The Schoolmaster ; or the School in an Uproar. 
Belle cf Madrid; or, a Muleteer's Bride. La 
Statue Blanche ; or, The Lovers' Stratagem. 

III.— M. Dechalumeau ; or, The Birthday 

The Demon Lover ; or. The Frightened 

Robert Macaire ; or, Les Deux Fugitifs. 

the Braziijaw Ape; or, The 
The Conscript ; or. How to 
'JAGIO Ti'LUTE ; or, The Ma- 



,The Good Wife's Three Wishes. 

No. IX.— The Rose of Sharon ; or. The Unlucky 

"ntelligent Ape, and 



Fisherman. PoxGO, thi 
the Unfortunate Overseer. 
No. X.— Mons. ToupET, the Dancing Barber ; 
or. Love and Lather. Vol au Vent and the 
Millers ; or, A Night's Adventures. 

Samuel French, Publisher, 

2'i Nassau Street (Up Staibs). 
3GUE Mailed Free ON bequest 



FRENCH'S M JMI^ J^ np ^M a 

Price 15 Cents each, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



aera. 



• Stitr 



VOL. I. 

1 Th« Irish Attorney 

2 Boots at the Swan 
S How to pay the Kent 

4 The Loan of a LoTer 

5 The Dead Shot 

6 His Last Legs 

7 The Invisible Prince 

8 The Golden Farmer 

VOL. II. 
B Pride of the Market 
10 Used Up 
H The Irish Tutor 

12 The Barrack Room 

13 Luke the Laborer 

14 Beauty and the Beast 

15 St. Patrick's Eve 

16 Captain o.' the Watch 

VOL. III. 

17 The Secret [pers 

18 White Horse of the Pep- 

19 The Jacobite 

20 The Bottle 

21 Box and Cox 

22 Bamboozling 
2S Widow's Victim 

24 Eobert Macaire 

VOL, IV. 

25 Secret Service 

26 Omnibus 

27 Irish LioQ 

28 Maid of Croissy 

29 The Old Gnard 

30 Raising the Wind 
SI Slasher and Crasher 
S3 Naval Engagemente 

VOL. V. 

33 Cocknies in California 

34 Who Speaks First 
85 Bombastes Furioso 

36 Macbeth Travestie 

37 Irish Ambassador 

38 Delicate Ground 

39 The Weathercock [Gold 

40 All that Glitters is Not] Ul Love in '76 [ties 
112 Romance under Difficul 

VOL. XV. 
13 One Coat for 2 Suits 



VOL. X. 

73 Ireland and America > 

74 Pretty Piece of Business 

75 Irish Broom-maker 

76 To Paris and Back foi 
Five Pounds 

77 That Blessed BaUt 
73 Our Gal 

79 S-mss Cottage 

80 Young Widow 
VOL. XI. 

81 O'Flannigan and 

82 Irish Post ! 

83 My Neighbor's Wife" 

84 Irish Tiger 

85 P . P . , or Man and Tiger 

86 To Oblige Bens 

87 State Secrets 

88 Irish Yankee 
VOL. XIT 

89 A Good Fellow 

90 Cherry and Fai 

91 Gale Breezely 

92 Our Jemimy 

93 Miller's Maid 

94 Awkward Arrival 

95 Crossing the Line 
■96 Conjagal Lesson' 

VOL. XIII. 
97 My Wife's Mirror 
93 Life in New YoA 
99 Middy Ashore 

100 Crown Prince 

101 Two Queens 

102 Thumping Legacy 

103 Unfinished Gentlem..n 

104 House Dog 
VOL, XIV. 

105 The Demon Lover 

106 Matrimony 

107 In and Out of Place 
lOS I Dine with Jly Mother 
109 Hi-a-wa-tha 



VOL. VI 

41 Grimshaw, Bagshaw and 

Bradshaw 

42 Rough Diamond 

43 Bloomer Costume 

44 Two Bonnycastles 

45 Born to Good Luck 

46 Kiss in the Dark [jurei 

47 "Twould Puzzle a Con 

48 Kill or Cure 

VOL. VII. 

49 Box and Cox Married and 

50 St. Cupid I Settled 

61 Go-to-bed Tom 

62 The Lawyers 
55 Jack Shtppard 

54 The Toodlea 

55 The Moboap 

56 Ladies Beware 

VOL. xm 

57 Morning Call 

58 Popping the Question 

59 Deaf as a Post 
■60 New Footman 

61 Pleasant Neighbor 

62 Paddy the Piper 

63 Brian O' Linn 

64 Irish Assurance 

Vol. IX. 

65 Temptation 

66 Paddy Carey 
87 Two Gregories 

68 King Charming 

69 Po-ca-hon-tas 

70 Olockmaker's Hat 
Tl Married Rake 
73 Love and Murder 

VOL. XXXVIL 
289 All tbo World'! > Stage 
2S0 Quash, or NiggwPractiM 



unulanceiaKerCasei 
ass Katly 0'She«l 
296 Sapper in Dixie 



Decided Case 

115 Daughter i^nority 

116 No; or, the Glorious Mi 

117 Coroner's Inquisition 

118 Love iu Humble Life 

119 Family Jars 
1'20 Personation 

VOL. XVL 

121 Children in the vVood 

122 Winning a Husband 

123 Day after the Fair 

124 Make Your Wills 

125 Rendezvous 

126 My Wife's Husband 

127 Monsieur Tonsou 

128 lUnstrious Stranger 
VOL. XVII 

129 Mischief-Making [Mine.-, 

130 A Live Woman in ' 

131 The Corsair 

132 Shylock 

133 Spoiled Child 
1S4 Evil Eye 

135 Nothing to Nurse 

136 Wanted a Widow 
VOL. XVIIL 

137 Lottery Ticket 

138 Fortune's Frolic 

139 Is he Jealous '/ 

140 Married Bachelor 

141 Husband at Sight 
14J Irishman In London 

143 Animal Magnetism | 

144 Highways and By-Waysi 
VOL. XXXVIII. 

297 lei on Parle Francaia 

298 Who Killed CocIl Robin 

299 Declaration of Independi 




153 Musard Ball 
lo't Great -Trade Revival 
155 High Low Jack & Game 
166 A Gentleman from Ire- 

157 Tom and Jerry (land 

158 Village Lawyer 

159 Captain's not A-miss 

160 Amateurs and Actors 
VOL. XSI. 

Promotion [ual 

163 A FaseiaaOng Individ- 

163 Mrs. Caudle 

164 Shakspeare's Dream 

165 Neptune's Defeat 

166 Lady of Bedchamber 

167 Take Care of LilUe 

168 Irish Widow | Chariey 
VOL. XXII. 

169 Yankee Peddlar 

170 Hiram Hireout 

171 Donble-Bedded Room 

172 The Drama Defendid 

173 Vermont Wool Dealer 

174 Ebenezer Venture (ter 

175 Principles x'rom Charao- 

176 Lady of the Lake (Trav) 
VOL. XXIII. 

177 Mad Dogs 

178 Barney the Baron 

179 Swiss Swains 

180 Bachelor's Bedroom 
Roland for an Oliver 

182 More Blundero than One 

183 Dumb B>;ile 

184 Limerick Boy 

VOL. XXIV. 
1S5 Nature and Philosophy 

186 Teddy the Tiler 

187 Spectre Bridgroom 

188 Matteo Falcone 
Jenny Lind 

190 Two Buzzards 

191 Happy Man 

192 Betsy Baker 
VOL. XXV. 

193 No. 1 Round the Corner 

194 Teddy Roe 

195 Objoct of Interest 

196 My Fellow Clerk 

197 Bengal Tiger 

198 Laughing Hyena 

199 The Victor Vanqolshed 

200 Our Wife 
VOL. XXVI. 

201 My Husband's Mirror 

202 Yankee Land. 

203 Norah Creina 

204 Good for Nothing 

205 The First Night 

206 The Eton Boy 

207 Wandering Minstrel 

208 Wanted, 1000 MiUinere 
VOL. XXVII. 

209 Poor Pilcoddy 

210 The Mummy [Glasses 

211 Don't Forgetyour Opera 

212 Love in Livery 

213 Anthony and Cleopatra 

214 Trying It On. 
JI5 Stage Struck Yankee 
216 Young Wife & Old TJm 

breUa 

VOL. S 
SeS Too Mocb for Good Nature. 



227 Art of Acting 

The Lady of the Llono 

229 The Rights of Man 

230 My Husband's Ohost 

231 Two Can Play at th 
Game 

232 Fighting by Proxy 
VOL. XXX. 

233 Unprotected Female 

234 Pet of the PeUlcoati 

235 Forty and Fiftv (bo< 

236 Who Stole the Pocke 

237 My Son Diana [sft 

238 Unwarrantable Intr' 
Ir. and Mrs. White 

240 A Quiet Fami!.y 
VOL. XXXI. 

241 Cool as Cucumber 

242 Sudden Thoughts 

243 Jum' ' Jum 

244 A Blighted Bein; 

245 Little Toddlekint 



248 Perplexing Predicame) 
VOL. XXX7I. 

249 Dr. Dilworth 

250 Out to N-irse 

251 A Lucky Hit 

252 The Dowager 

253 Metamora (Ltrrlesqoe 

254 Dreams of Delusion 
The Shaker Lovers 

256 Tlcklis^ Times 
VOL. XXXIII. ; 

257 20 Minutes withaTtgc 

258 Miralda: or, the Justli 
of Tacon 

259 A Soldier's CourtsUi 

260 Servants by Legacy 

261 Dying for Love 

262 Alarming Sacrifice 

263 Valet de Sham 

264 Nicholas Kickleby 
VOL. XXKIT. 

265 The Last of the PigtaJ: 

266 King Rene's Daughte 
The Grotto Nymph 
A Devilish Good Jok 
A Twice Told Tale 

270 Pasde Fascination 

271 Revolutionary Soldle 

272 A Man Without a Hea 
VOL. XXXV. 
e Olio, Part 1 

274 The Olio, Part 2 

275 The O'.io, Part 3 

276 TheTrumpeter'aDang 

277 Seeing Warren 

278 Green Mountain Boy 

279 That Nose 

280 Tom Noddy's Seoret 

VOL. XXXTI 

281 Shocking Events 

282 A Regular Fix 

283 Dick Turpin 
'284 Young Scam. 

285 Young Actress 

286 Call at No. ' - 

287 One Totichj 

288 Two BJ 



300 Heads 

3U1 Obsiinale Family 

a)2 Mj , 



